Wordservice.org Home

Bible Prophecy Articles

Pop Culture Prophecy

     End times prophecy is a pop culture term used to describe various end of the world scenario's ostensibly taught with the Bible. The wording itself comes from quite a few scriptures in the Bible such as 2 Timothy 3:1. "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come." Teachings on this subject particularly in the last century have been at best superficial. Furthermore down through the centuries, there has been an endless parade of prognostication supposedly based on end time prophecy that has been 100% wrong 100% of the time. It seems to have only increased in the last hundred years to embarrassment of believers everywhere. (At least there should be embarrassment.) It is also worthy of note that virtually all religious sects that acknowledge the Bible in some fashion such as Islam and Mormonism and all of the "Christian" sects such as the Jehovah's Witnesses' are steeped in similar if not many times identical popular end times teachings.  It would be  particularly disturbing if it was widely known to believers that angels appear regularly to Mormons articulating the exact end time teachings taught by most Christian ministries and pastors. Telling them to prepare for the end that will happen in their lifetime. Roman Catholic mystics over the centuries such as the Fatima's have been recipients of visitations by these angels telling them the same scenario's. Christians on Christian radio can even be heard occasionally describing how they or a prophet they know had been visited by an angel confirming the latest popular end time situation is coming right around the corner. I assume if this very widespread activity by demons masquerading as angels of light were common knowledge. Christians might be a little more cautious about what they ascribe to and teach. Satan does not deal with truth. If he is deceiving mankind about what lies in his future he has a good reason for doing so.

     The prophecies of the Bible are precise and absolute. The only reason there is debate over what they teach and predict is because of the darkness that exists in this world. This doesn't mean they cannot be understood. What it does mean is though is if one wants to see and understand they must approach the subject through God and his written word. God through Jesus Christ is the revealer of Bible Prophecy and if he reveals the subject at all, it will be revealed through his written word.  Outside of scripture's own interpretation there can be no safe and sound understanding of Bible Prophecy. The general thrust of this article will be that the Bible itself gives precise names and dates in regards to end time prophecy. Furthermore that the eschatological viewpoints outside of these names and dates that the scripture elucidates on the subject are fallacious, and are greatly hindering the cause of Christ.

The hyperlinks in this article link to reference material associated with the statements containing them. Most of the reference material is an integral part of the article. The hyperlinks are not randomly added definitions.

Daniel's First Vision of Four Kingdoms and the Kingdom of God

      We'll start with the book of Daniel Chapter 2 Verse 31 You, O king, saw, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before you; and the form of it was terrible. 32. This image's head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, 33. His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay. 34. You looked until that a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and broke them to pieces. 35. Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth. 36. This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation of it before the king. 37. You, O king, are a king of kings: for the God of heaven has given you a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. 38. And where ever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven has he given into your hand, and has made you ruler over them all. You are this head of gold. 39. And after you shall arise another kingdom inferior to you, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth. 40. And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: for as much as iron breaks in pieces and subdues all things: and as iron that breaks all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise. 41. And where as you saw the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, for as much as you saw the iron mixed with miry clay. 42. And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. 43. And where as you saw iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay. 44. And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it will crush and bring to an end all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. 45. For as much as you saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God has made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation of it sure. 

     There is a need to lay out some common sense rules that should apply to the reading and understanding of literature. This is not because most people need to have basic rules laid out before something they read can be analyzed. Unfortunately, when many people read the Bible though, they do not use the same reason and logic they use with other literature. They act as if scripture is somehow outside of reason and logic. Let it be said that if mankind can be reasonable or logical then God is infinitely so.  Furthermore it is because of mans rejection of reason and logic that he is in trouble with the government of God in the first place. So, without further to do, this first prophecy will be analyzed as though one had to read it and answer questions about it on a test at school.

1. Question: How many kingdoms does the text refer too?  Answer: Four; or five if you count Gods kingdom.
2. Question: Who's is the first kingdom?  Answer: Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon (See Daniel Chapter 2)
3. Question: What happens to these four kingdoms?  Answer: They are destroyed
4. Question: What destroys them?  Answer: Gods kingdom.
5. Question: When does Gods kingdom destroy these kingdoms? Answer: During the forth kingdom.
6. Question: What happens after the four kingdoms are destroyed?  Answer: Gods kingdom fills the whole earth.
7. Question: Does it say how Gods kingdom fills the whole earth?  Answer: No
8. Question: Does it say if Gods kingdom fills the whole earth at once or over a period of time? Answer: Neither.
9. Question: Does this prophecy give any dates? Answer: Yes, it says the first Kingdom is Nebuchadnezzar's' Babylon which to us is history; but it does not give any other dates.
10. Question: How long does it say the Kingdom of God will last?  Answer: Forever
11. Question: Does it say precisely what this kingdom of God is?  Answer: The only thing it says is it will not be left to "other" people.

     In conclusion as far as this text and basic rules are concerned.  We have four kingdoms listed here starting with Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon. During the fourth kingdom the kingdom of God destroys these kingdoms. Therefore we have to conclude that if the Bible is the Word of God. There will not be any other prophecies in the Bible that disagree with this prophecy. There will only be these four kingdoms and the kingdom of God will come during the fourth one and fill the whole earth. Any prophecies outside of this particular and simple scenario in the Bible will render the Bible untrustworthy of being called the Word of God. Furthermore is seems reasonable that there cannot be a lot of convoluted twisting and turning to try to make this prophecy fit any number of situations.

Four Primary Types of Bible Prophecy

     There are dozens of chapters of prophecy that occurred after this one. What will be pointed out in this article as far as "end times" prophecy is concerned. Is that all other end time prophecy after this one simply repeat this exact prophecy but add greater detail to it. In other words they all point to the same exact four kingdoms and that the kingdom of God coming during the fourth one. But they do it giving much greater detail, even naming the kingdoms and telling what will occur and when. They also give a tremendous amount of detail about the nature of this Kingdom of God that crushes and puts these kingdoms to an end. Before we get to the next prophecy though it would be good to point out the four primary types Bible prophecy.

1. Vision or picture type prophecies: These prophesies use the illustrative language of pictures to describe literal events and bible doctrines. Many times but not always different prophecies by different prophets use the same pictures to describe the same types of things. For instance: Most of the time a  picture of the sea in these visions is an illustration of the gentile nations. Some Christians claim a sort of spiritual superiority saying that they take prophecy "literally" as opposed to "symbolically."  Meaning they take some of these pictures and apply a "literal" meaning to them. Upon closer examination though one finds they do no such thing. They pick and choose what they want to be "literal" and what they want to be "symbolic" to fit their notions of what the future holds. Let it be stated right now that all of these visions or picture prophecies are literal in their nature. They literally describe an event or a teaching using pictures that may or may not have any precise connection to the event or teaching to do so. Like this first prophecy for instance. A statue has no precise connection to kingdoms, nor does a rock or a mountain have any specific connection to Gods Kingdom. This is why an interpretation of this picture by the Bible itself is needed. One can only imagine what men would say this means if it were not for the explanation given for it.

2. Illustrative language prophecies: These prophecies are the same as vision or picture prophecies except they use highly illustrative, allegorical or poetic language to describe literal events or biblical teachings. Many times this language mimics the vision\picture prophecies. Again the temptation with this type of prophecy is to apply meanings to it that are "literal" or "symbolic" according to the readers choosing. Once more let it be stated the Bible itself interprets what this language means. Interpretation using a Christian viewpoint or "hermeneutic" without first finding how the scripture itself  gives it a meaning is harmful to the cause of Christ.

3. Literal language to describe literal events or teachings.

4. The lives and the circumstances of people recorded in the Bible that tell the future and teach doctrine: This is probably the most amazing way that Gods prophesies the future. An awesome example of this is the lives and circumstances of the people in the first book of the Bible; Genesis. This is communicated in the Wordservice.org article: Symbolisms in Genesis.

Daniels Second Vision of the Same Four Kingdoms With Added Details

     Daniel 7:1 In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters.2. Daniel spoke and said, I saw in my vision by night, and look, the four winds of the heaven were stirring the great sea. 3. And four great animals came up from the sea, different one from another. 4. The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I looked till the wings were torn off, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it. 5. And look, another animal, a second, like a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in it's mouth between its he teeth: and they said this to it, Arise, devour much flesh. 6. After this I was looking, and saw another, like a leopard, which had on its back of it four wings of a bird; the animal also had four heads; and an empire was given to it. 7. After this I looked in the night visions, and saw a fourth animal, dreadful and terrible, and exceedingly strong; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and crushed, and trampled what was left with its feet: and it was different from all the animals that were before it; and it had ten horns. 8. I considered the horns, and look, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns uprooted; and look, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. 9. I looked until the thrones were set up, and the ancient of days sat, whose robe was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the flames of fire, and its wheels were burning fire. 10. A river of fire ran and issued from his presence: thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood in his presence: the court was seated, and the books were opened. 11. I was looking then because of the sound of the great words which the horn spoke: I looked until the animal was killed, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame. 12. As concerning the rest of the animals, they had their empires taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time. 13. I saw in the night visions, and look, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. 14. And there was given him an empire, and glory, and dominion, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his empire is an everlasting empire, which shall not pass away, and his dominion that which shall not be destroyed. 15. I Daniel was distressed in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. 16. I came near to one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things. 17. These great animals, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth. 18. But the saints of the most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever. 19. Then I would know the truth of the fourth animal, which was different from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured and crushed, and trampled what was left with his feet; 20. And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spoke very great things, whose look was more greater than his fellows. 21. I was looking, and the same horn made war with the saints, and overpowered them; 22. Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. 23. So he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be different from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and crush it. 24. And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be different from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. 25. And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. 26. But the court will sit, and they shall take away his empire, to consume and to destroy it until the end. 27. And the kingdom and empire, and the greatness of the dominion under the whole heaven, will be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all empires shall serve and obey him. 28. This is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my thoughts greatly alarmed me, and my color changed on me: but I kept the matter in my heart. 

      This vision is given to Daniel during the reign of the last King of Babylon, Belshazzar. Although it increases the illustrative picture type details about the four kingdoms it does nothing as far interpreting what and when they are. It does however provide a wealth of information via the angels interpretation about the Kingdom of God. Looking back at a common sense rule first lets note the obvious. There are once more four kingdoms and during the forth one the Kingdom of God destroys their dominion and establishes his own kingdom. This cannot be looked at as anything other than the original prophecy given to Daniel with further detail added to it. The most obvious detail that renders this so is when the kingdom of God makes its appearance. During the forth kingdom.

      Interestingly the first animal, that has already been interpreted in Daniel's first vision as Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon corresponds with this first Kings personal testimony about the grace of God shown to him in Daniel chapter 4.  (verse 4.....it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it.) Allowing Daniels next vision to interpret who these animals represent. It would be good just to emphasize for future reference the pictures themselves. One reason is because these four animals appear in the apostle Johns vision in the New Testament. The other because the pictures get interpreted in the next prophecies. There are three ribs in the bears mouth. There are four wings and four heads on the leopards body. The fourth animal has ten horns just like the ten toes of the first prophecies statue. Then there is apparently another horn besides these ten that rules over and oppresses Gods people.  Then just as the first prophecy in Daniel chapter 2 during the forth kingdom, the kingdom of God destroys the dominion of these kingdoms and assumes dominion itself.

     The interpretive part of this prophecy is filled with information and implications.  In Verses 13-14 we see the Messiah.  13. I saw in the night visions, and look, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. 14. And there was given an empire, and glory, and dominion, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his empire is an everlasting empire, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. Here are a few other scriptures that validate this.  He (the messiah) is also the rock in Daniel's first vision. Starting verse 16 we are given the interpretation of Verses 13-14. 16. I came near to one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things. 17. These great animals, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth. 18. But the saints of the most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever......22. Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom........ 27. And the kingdom and empire, and the greatness of the dominion under the whole heaven, will be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all empires shall serve and obey him. In these interpretations it can be clearly seen that the messiah is given the earth and everything in it. What is so fascinating about it is that the messiah being given the earth translates into the messiahs people being given the earth. They are not only given the dominion that the four kingdoms had but also dominion of all earthly powers. This also explains the first prophecy where Gods kingdom is not left to "another" people. In the broadest sense it would mean that the whole world belongs to God, and he will not leave it under the control of people who do not belong to him.
     To put this in a clearer light lets reference one of Jesus's sayings: Matthew 21: 42. Jesus says to them, Didn't you ever read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the main cornerstone: this is the Lord's doing, and it is wonderful in our eyes? 43. Therefore say I to you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation that will produce its fruits. 44. And who ever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on who ever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. 45. And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spoke of them.
     These scriptures about the messiah's reign on earth being interpreted as the messiah's peoples reign on earth (in union with him,) are not well received by Gods people these days. This sort of faithless rejection should be looked at as the result of darkness clouding hearts and minds rather than mere doctrinal disputes. There is tremendous fear and trepidation among teachers of the Word of God that the subject is even comprehensible. The secularists who want to rule over the earth are poised heap almost hysterical denunciations on any who breach the subject. Pictures of inquisition, genocide, hate and bigotry will be leveled at any who seek the truth of such matters. Men cower under the idea of mass media destroying their reputations through lies and half truths. It's much easier to consign any idea of some type of world wide (influential) reign of Gods people to the next life. The reality is such though that this interpretation of the messiahs reign on earth has a great body of scripture dedicated to it. These chapters will be looked at closely at the end of this article since they they deal with the final part of this prophecy. There is an article on this website that deals with the subject of the nature of Gods Kingdom called What Is the Government of God. It does not use the great body of scripture that this article will use at it's end though .

     In conclusion, there is no disagreement between this second of the book of Daniel's prophecies and the first one. Only and expansion of the first with a somewhat startling explanation of what the reign of the messiah will look like on the earth. Also verse 26 contains the first reference to "the end" 26. But the court will sit, and they shall take away his empire, to consume and to destroy it until the end. The "they " being referred to is the saints, or the people of the saints. The end in this case would seem to indicate the end of the fourth kingdom.

 Daniel's Third Vision

     Daniel 8  1. In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared to me, Daniel, after that which appeared to me at the first. 2. And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I was at Shushan in the palace, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in the vision, that I was by the river of Ulai. 3. Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, look, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last. 4. I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no animals might stand before him, neither was there any that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great. 5. And as I was considering, behold, a male goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth, not touching the ground: and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes. 6. And he came to the ram that had two horns, which I had seen standing before the river, and ran up to him in the fury of his power. 7. And I saw him come close to the ram, and he was moved with rage against him, and struck the ram, and broke his two horns: and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand. 8. Therefore the male goat became very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and in it's place came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven. 9. And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which grew exceedingly great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land. 10. And it grew great, even to the army of heaven; and it cast down some of the army and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them. 11. Yes, he magnified himself even to the ruler of the army, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. 12. And an army was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practiced, and prospered. 13. Then I heard one holy one speaking, and another holy said to that certain holy one which spoke, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the army to be trodden under foot? 14. And he said to me, Until two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed. 15. And it came to pass, when I,  Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, look, there stood before me as the appearance of a man. 16. And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man  understand the vision. 17. So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said to me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall the vision be. 18. Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright. 19. And he said, look, I will make you understand what shall be in the final period of wrath: for at the time appointed the end shall be. 20. The ram which you saw having the two horns are the kings of Media and Persia. 21. And the rough goat is the king of Greece: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king. 22. Now that being broken, whereas four stood in its place, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power. 23. And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce expression, skilled in intrigues, shall stand up. 24. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and accomplish, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. 25. And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. 26. And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut up the vision; for it shall be for many days. 27. And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king's business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it.

      This vision occurs a few years after Daniel's second vision, still during the reign of Belshazzar. We now have our second and third kingdoms named and dated for us. Named directly, and dated because to us they are history. There are a number of reasons you can know this is still referring to the same prophecy and not something different. Number one is the chronology of the first two prophecies. The second kingdom was to come after the first Babylon. That kingdom was Medo-Persia, then after that Greece. These kingdoms were to reign over the same geographical area's. This is evidenced by the reference to "bearing rule over all the earth" in the first prophecy in Daniel 2: 38-39 talking about all four of these empires. Last but most important this is the exact scenario as laid out in future prophecies in Daniel and Revelation with Rome being the fourth empire.

      The article will now refer to these kingdoms as empires. Empire is the modern terminology most people use to describe these kingdoms. To many people the word kingdom denotes the reign of one king and the geographical area he rules over. Where as the word empire to many denotes the long term rule over a geographical area by a certain people with many kings. These are not the proper definitions of these words but they will suffice for the purposes of this article.

      The breast and arms of silver in the first vision. The bear in the second. Then in the third prophecy the ram have now been interpreted by an angel as the Medo-Persion Empire. The reason for the three ribs in the bears mouth is most likely because this empire conquered three major empires. Babylon, Lydia and Egypt. The bear rising up on one side and the larger of the two horns that came up last on the ram is in reference to the Medes dominating the empire at first but the Persians dominated it by its end at the greatest extent of its power. A short story of the night Babylon was conquered can be found in Daniel Chapter 5.

      The belly and thighs of brass in the first vision. The leopard in the second. Then the male goat in the third prophecy is interpreted by the angel as being Greece. He also states that the notable horn is the first emperor which we know by history to be Alexander the Great. The four wings on the leopard of the second prophecy and the four horns that take the place of the one horn on the male goat is interpreted as being the Greek Empire being divided up four ways. We know through history that it was divided up between four of Alexander's generals who then reigned as kings over their piece of the Greek Empire. The little horn that arises near the end of what the Bible is still calling the Greek Empire is Antiochus IV Epiphanies. Because of what he does to the Israelites a great amount of prophecy is devoted to him in the book of Daniel. In short, he got a large number of the Israelites to apostatize and make sacrifices to Zeus. Then after a humiliating affair with Rome he got back into Jerusalem deceitfully. He murdered and sold into slavery approx. 160,000 Jews. He stopped the daily offering and desecrated the temple. Plundered and burned the city. Burned the books of the law, forbad any celebrations of any of the feasts. He set up an idol of Zeus at the alter of burnt offering. He sacrificed a pig on the alter. (The abomination of desolation.) He forced the Jews to sacrifice a pig on the 25th of each month to celebrate his birthday. He sought to exterminate Judaism and Hellenize them. ie: Convert them to the customs and religion of the Greeks. More on him will be spoken about later.

      This chapter is the first to really make use of the term "the end" or as modern Christianity calls it: "End times." 17. So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said to me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall the vision be. 18. Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright. 19. And he said, look, I will make you understand what shall be in the final period of wrath: for at the time appointed the end shall be. The difference with these references in the angels interpretation and pop-eschatology is that the angel assigns an approximate date to the end. To the pop-eschatologist however, that date is always somewhere in the near the future. This approximate date in Daniels third vision will be shown in the next section of this article.

Big Picture Prophecy

      Big picture prophecy is a term Wordservice.org has coined to help the reader keep within the parameters of the basic rules which govern the analysis of literature. As far as Bible prophecy goes the reason such a tool is needed is that we all have an incomplete knowledge of history. In so much as at this time most end time prophecy is now history. This tool as its name indicates guides the reader to be careful to look at the big picture that is already interpreted by the Bible itself. If the scripture places details of a prophecy  in the time period of a larger piece of information already interpreted. Then the student of the Word of God can rest easy knowing that the smaller detail is within the time period of the larger picture already understood by the reader. This gives God a chance to reveal all the smaller details to those who seek him over a period of time without them having to jump to any incorrect conclusions. This because the time frames of those smaller details are contained within a larger picture already known to the reader.

      A case and point of this is the date the angel gives to the "little horn" and the time period of the end   8:17....... O son of man: for at the time of the end shall the vision be (or, pertaining to the time period of the end).......19. And he said, look, I will make you understand what shall be the final period of wrath: for at the time appointed the end shall be. 20. The ram which you saw having the two horns are the kings of Media and Persia. 21. And the rough goat is the king of Greece: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king. 22. Now that being broken, whereas four stood in its place, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power. 23. And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce expression, skilled in intrigues, shall stand up. 24. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and accomplish, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. These verses unmistakably state that this final period of wrath will start near the end of the Greek Empire. The "latter time" of the four kingdoms that the Greek Empire was divided up into. This is when this person commits this horrendous crime against humanity upon the Jewish nation.  It is stated though that this whole episode relates to an appointed end or a fixed date when the end occurs. It does not say that this episode is itself the end, only that it relates to the end which has a fixed date, (in the foreknowledge of God.) Moreover and just as important, it does not provide a specific answer to the question: "The end of what." That will be left to future visions and interpretations the Bible itself will supply. 

      Hopefully this example of "Big Picture Prophecy" will start to alert the readers to fallacious "methods" of taking words or phrases out of their context and placing them in a context of endless prognostications about the near future. This prophecy although it does not yet reveal to Daniel what is about to end. Does tell him the end is very close to the time period that encompasses the end of the Greek Empire. It also reveals to Daniel that there is yet to come further wrath directed against his own people, actually a final period of it.  This devastates him to his very core, having already lived through Babylon's complete destruction of Jerusalem and Judea. 8:27. And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king's business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it. This emotional devastation may have had allot to do with his fasting and prayer, seeking God because of what he found in the scripture about the subject of the sufferings of his nation as alluded by the angel in the 9th chapter of Daniel.   

The Fourth Prophecy in the Book of Daniel

      Daniel 9 1. In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, by birth a Mede, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans; 2. In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, by the word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.....19. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for you own sake, O my God: for your city and your people are called by your name. 20. And while I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God for the holy mountain of my God; 21. Yes, whiles I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. 22. And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give you skill and understanding. 23. At the beginning of your supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to show you; for you art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision. 24. Seventy weeks are determined upon your people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. 25. Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem to the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and sixty-two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troubled times. 26. And after sixty-two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come and shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end of it shall be with a flood, and to the end of the war desolations are determined. 27. And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

      Much information on Daniels seventy sevens (of years) is available from many different sources. Therefore this article will not devote allot of space to it. In short the command to rebuild and restore Jerusalem was given in 457 B.C. by Artaxerxes as recorded in Ezra 7:11-26.  In verse 25 it says from the time of that command there will be seven weeks, then sixty-two weeks. Sixty nine weeks in all or 483 years. The Messiah was baptized by John and started his ministry at that point of 483 years. There are 70 weeks or 490 years to this prophecy and as it states the Messiah will be cut off or killed in the middle of the last week, the 70th week or at 486.5 years. His Apostles continued his ministry to Israel for the additional 3 1\2 years. That is the end of the 70th week or 490 years and the time when the governing authorities of Israel officially rejected the messiah and began their persecution of those who followed him. Lets look at the wording concerning the Messiah a little more closely before looking at the verses concerning the end..

      Starting from the last verse and moving backwards: 27. And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease...., This is exactly what the messiah did. He confirmed the covenant made to Abraham through his own personal ministry to Israel for 3 1\2 years and then through his disciples for an additional 3 1\2 years for a total of one "week." In the middle of that last week he offered himself as "the lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world." Putting an end (as far as God was concerned) to the ritual sacrifices and oblations of the Law that for thousands of years symbolized his sacrifice.
    We read in verses 25-26: 25. Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem to the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and sixty-two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troubled times.26. And after sixty-two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself.....  The first 7 weeks or 42 years were the time it took to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. At that point the 62 weeks began that ended with Jesus being baptized and beginning his ministry of confirming the covenant made with Abraham. Verse 26 does not make clear the exact time that messiah will be cut off. It only says after 62 weeks. It is verse 27 that does give the exact date, 3 1\2 years after the 62 weeks are fulfilled. i.e. In the middle of the 70th week.
     Back to verse 24: Seventy weeks are determined upon your people and upon your holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. At the end of this 490 year time table that has a start date. God accomplished what he promised starting in the very beginning of the book of Genesis and then throughout every other book of the Old Testament. As the palmist quite accurately states concerning the messiah: Psalm 40:7 Then I said, Look, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me....,

     That could be termed the good news part of this prophecy, which now leaves us to look at the bad news part. In chap. 9:26-27 the angel gives Daniel the interpretation of his third vision in chap.8:17-19 that states. 17....Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall the vision be.....19. And he said, look, I will make you understand what shall be in the final period of wrath: for at the time appointed the end shall be.  Remember this verse has already declared by the angel to refer to time period near the end of the Greek Empire and the "little horn" that came out of one of the "four horns" of Alexander's empire. The little horn being Antiochus IV Epiphanies. This is called final season of "wrath" before the appointed end that has a fixed date. So chap. 9:26-27 then spells out what exactly this bad news is that has a fixed date referred to as an end: 26:.....and the people of the prince that shall come and shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end of it shall be with a flood, and to the end of the war desolations are determined. 27:.... and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. So this particular end is referring to the destruction of the city of Jerusalem and the sanctuary by way of war. This happens after the 70 weeks are fulfilled, after the messiah comes and the covenant is confirmed and sealed. None of these prophecies declare the exact day of this war and destruction. They do however say clearly state that it is within this particular time period of this final season of wrath. 

      As it can be seen so far this prophecy about the end is beginning to look quite specific in it's nature. There will be much more prophecy about this particular "end time" that give it a specific date; every bit as specific as any other date already given by the Bible itself. As a hint though as to where this article will end up. This is not the only "end" prophesied about in the Bible. As you can perhaps notice the end of this era related to this destruction of Jerusalem doesn't address the end of these four empires as told in Daniels 2nd vision chap. 7:6. But the court will sit, and they shall take away his empire, to consume and to destroy it until the end. 27. And the kingdom and empire, and the greatness of the dominion under the whole heaven, will be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all empires shall serve and obey him. So it can be seen that there is the beginning of things and time periods and the end of things and time periods in the Bible. It will be also seen that the Bible itself interprets these things and time periods and everything outside of the Bibles own interpretations are the mere speculations of temporal and fallible men. Next, Daniel chapter 11-12.

His Fifth Vision as Recorded in Daniel Chapters 11-12

      Most of Daniel 11 is widely known and accurately interpreted a by large body good reference materials and Bibles.  Most of the first part of chapter 11 that is but not the rest. This is very unfortunate because Daniel 11-12 takes the prophecies already given and expounds on them greatly. This chapter will note when most Christian literature stray from the interpretations already given by the Bible itself in the previous prophecies. The historical references that this section refers to is being used by Wordservice.org by the authors gracious permission. Most of the information on it can be found in good Bible reference materials. However, Wordservice.org does not support any common eschatological views that may be found in this or other reference sources. It is being used for it's easy to read format concerning history and not for it's viewpoint of prophecy. There may be occasional notes about these viewpoints added and hyperlinked on that historical reference page.

     Daniel 10:1. In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.......4. And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel; 5. Then I lifted up my eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: 6. His body also was like the Beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in color to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. 7. And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves......Daniel 10:14 Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come (NIV).......

     Daniel 11:1  Also I in the first year of Darius the Mede, even I, stood to confirm and to strengthen him. The angel speaking to Daniel, and laying out the subject matter of this prophecy. Which is: What will happen to Daniels people in the future.
2. And now will I show you the truth. Look, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; (Ahasuerus, Artaxerxes and Darius Hystaspes) and the fourth (Xerxes) shall be far richer than all of them: and by his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Greeks. See a detailed historical account.
3. And a mighty king shall stand up, (Alexander the Great) that shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will. See detailed historical account.
4. And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven; and not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion which he ruled: for his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others beside those. (Alexander's empire was divided up between four of his generals. Seleucus over Syria and Mesopotamia, Ptolemy over Egypt, Lysimacus over Thrace and portions of Asia Minor, and Cassander over Macedonia and Greece)
5. And the king of the south shall be strong (Ptolemy I Soter "the king of the south"), and one of his princes (Seleucus I Nicator "who became the king of the north"); shall be strong above him, and have dominion; his dominion shall be a great dominion. See detailed historical account.
6. And in the end of years they shall join themselves together; for (Berenice) the king's daughter of the south (Ptolemy Philadelphus) shall come to the king of the north (Antiochus Theos)  to make an agreement: but she shall not retain the power of the arm; neither shall he stand, nor his arm: but she shall be given up, and they that brought her, and he that begat her, and he that strengthened her in these times. See detailed historical account.
7. But out of a branch of her roots shall one stand up in his estate, (The brother of Berenice, Ptolemy III Euergetes) which shall come with an army, and shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail:  Historical account
8. And shall also carry captives into Egypt their gods, with their princes, and with their precious vessels of silver and of gold; and he shall continue more years than the king of the north. Historical account.
9. So the king of the south (Ptolemy III Euergetes) shall come into his kingdom, and shall return into his own land.
10. But his sons (Seleucus III and Antiochus III) shall be stirred up, and shall assemble a multitude of great forces: and one (Antiochus III) shall certainly come, and overflow, and pass through: then shall he return, and be stirred up, even to his (Ptolemy Philopater's) fortress (Raphia.) Historical account.
11. And the king of the south (Ptolemy IV Philopator) shall be moved with choler, and shall come forth and fight with him, even with the king of the north (Antiochus III): and he shall set forth a great multitude; but the multitude shall be given into his hand.
12. And when he (Ptolemy IV Philopator) has taken away the multitude, his heart shall be lifted up; and he shall cast down many ten thousands: but he shall not be strengthened by it. Historical account.
13. For the king of the north (Antiochus III) shall return, and shall set forth a multitude greater than the former, and shall certainly come after certain years with a great army and with much riches. Historical account.
14. And in those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south (Ptolemy Epiphanes,): also the robbers of thy people (reprobate Jews) shall exalt themselves to establish the vision; but they shall fall. Historical account.
15. So the king of the north (Antiochus III) shall come, and cast up a mount, and take the most fenced cities: and the arms of the south shall not withstand, neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to withstand. Historical account.
16. But he (Antiochus III) that cometh against him (Ptolemy Epiphanes,) shall do according to his own will, and none shall stand before him: and he (Antiochus III) shall stand in the glorious land (Israel), which by his hand shall be consumed.
17. He (Antiochus III) shall also set his face to enter with the strength of his whole kingdom, and upright ones with him; thus shall he do: and he (Antiochus III) shall give him (Ptolemy Epiphanes) the daughter of women (Antiochus III's daughter Cleopatra), corrupting her: but she shall not stand on his side, neither be for him (Antiochus III) . Historical account.
18. After this shall he (Antiochus III) turn his face unto the isles (Asia Minor and Greece), and shall take many: but a prince for his own behalf shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease; without his own reproach he shall cause it to turn upon him. (Antiochus III was defeated by the Romans)
19. Then he shall turn his face toward the fort of his own land: but he shall stumble and fall, and not be found. Historical account.
20. Then shall stand up (Seleucus IV Philopater) in his (Antiochus III) estate a raiser of taxes  in the glory of the kingdom: but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle. Historical account.
21. And in his (Seleucus IV Philopater) estate shall stand up a vile person  (Antiochus Epiphanes, the little horn of Daniel 8:9-12, 23-25 ) to whom they shall not give the honor of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.
22. And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him  and shall be broken; yea, also the prince (Ptolemy Philometer the son of  Ptolemy Epiphanes and Cleopatra) of the covenant. (The covenant between Antiochus III and Ptolemy Epiphanes.)
23. And after the league (between Ptolemy Philometer and Antiochus Epiphanes) made with him he (Antiochus Epiphanes) shall work deceitfully: for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people.
24. He (Antiochus Epiphanes) shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest places of the province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers; he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches: yea, and he shall forecast his devices against the strong holds, even for a time. Historical account. (Verses 22-24  also fits the rise of Antiochus Epiphanes in Syria rather than his dealings with the Ptolemy Philometer and can even be construed to fit his dealings with Jerusalem.)
25. And he (Antiochus Epiphanes) shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south (Ptolemy Philometer) with a great army; and the king of the south shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he (the king of the south) shall not stand: for they (traitors) shall forecast devices against him.
26. Yea, they (Ptolomy's servents) that feed of the  portion of his meat shall destroy him, and his army shall overflow: and many shall fall down slain.
27. And both these kings' hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end shall be at the time appointed. ( Even though Antiochus Epiphanes has won, yet because of his fear of how the Romans will react if he completely annexes Egypt militarily. He negotiates with his nephew Ptolemy Philometer in guise of taking Egypt deceitfully through accord.)
28. Then shall he (Antiochus Epiphanes) return into his land with great riches; and his heart shall be against the holy covenant; and he shall do exploits, and return to his own land. (Antiochus murdered 40,000 jews, sold more 40,000 (woman and children) into slavery and plundered the temple.)
29. At the time appointed he (Antiochus Epiphanes) shall return, and come toward the south; but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter.
30. For the ships of Chittim (Roman) shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant. (The Romans compelled him to forsake his campaign against Egypt, his army then returned to Jerusalem with the aid of apostate Jews.)
31. And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that makes desolate. (His army sacked the city with orders to murder all the men and take the women and children captive. offered a pig on the alter, placed an alter to Zeus in the temple, sought to completely exterminate Judaism and imposed the death penalty for any one caught practicing it or in possession of Old Testament writings . Thus setting up the Maccabean revolt and civil war as related in verses 32-35. ) Historical account verses 25-31.
32. And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.
33. And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days.
34. Now when they shall fall, they shall be aided with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.
35. And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed. Historical account verses 32-35.

      This is the point where most, (especially modern) Christian literature stray outside the parameters of the interpretations already given by the Bible itself. Remember the big picture complete with names and dates is already laid out for us by the Word of God. Four successive empires are named for us with an "empire" built by God coming during the forth. Although Rome is not named, it is the empire that conquered the Greek empire. It is the empire of the people of the prince (Titus) that destroys Jerusalem in 70 AD (Daniel 9:26-27). It is also identified as the seven headed beast with ten horns in the book Book of Revelation. Furthermore it is also laid out ahead of us in the rest of Daniel 11 as the conquering entity that swallows up the rest of the Greek empire. This is why it is most troubling that so much modern Christian literature seems to be so oblivious to the rest of these verses in Daniel 11-12. I fear secularists have unduly influenced believers about this. Let me explain why I believe this.
     Secular historians are positive that thus far Daniels prophecies (especially chapter 11:1-35) were written after the fact. The reason they "know" this is because the "predictions" are exactly what happened. Therefore since there is no such thing as Prophecy that is accurate like Daniel 11:1-35  it is "obvious" it was written after the fact. I assume the reason they pick this point at verse 35 to call this written history instead of prophecy and then 36 on as prophecy is because the physical evidence that the book of Daniel existed at this point is so overwhelming it would make them look like fools to their peers to deny it. Not that there isn't physical evidence that it was written by Daniel himself in the 5th century BC centuries before the Maccabean revolt. However, if verses 36 and on can be made to look like what the world considers "prophecy," (generally inaccurate, never ending speculations, can fit lots of different scenario's, more like pagan prophecy.)  Then they can use this to demean the Word of God and gain an advantage for their own interests. 
     This then is the troubling circumstance. That you find the vast majority of Christian teachers, pastors and authors are falling right into hells conspiracy and looking at this through the eyes of the spirit of this world. The rest of these verses in Daniel 11:36-45 and 12:1-13 are every bit as mind blowing and accurate as the preceding ones in Daniel 11:1-35. It is nothing but the darkness that exists in the world that influences all of mankind that turns them into endless prognostications about the end of the world. This is to the delight of secularists and demons everywhere. They cannot argue further about the date Daniel was penned, the date cannot be pushed up past this point. The book of Daniel is widely known in the Greek world by 170 BC and this is abundantly recorded in history. The only option left to discredit it as being of supernatural origin  is to spread confusion about the accuracy of what the secular world knows  is written prophecy.  In other words to deny the glaringly obvious and easy to understand and instead to continuously promote what can never be really be understood. That is the grand conspiracy and that is the spirit that is influencing modern Christian teaching. However as you will see the problem with this scheme is that no matter how far you push the date it was written up. What is left as prophecy is so accurate that even though it is prophecy. It has a higher degree of historical accuracy than those who record history after it has already happened. May the good Lord be with your spirit that eventually you can see this to be the case as the article continues.

Daniel 11:36 and Herod the King

      Within a century of the death of Antiochus Epiphanes the sector of the Greek empire called in Daniel 11 the kingdom of the north was also conquered by Rome (64 B.C.) making the king of the north Roman. The only part of the Greek empire left not conquered by Rome at this time was Egypt, the king of the south. Then in the exact spirit and accuracy as the first 35 verses of Daniel 11. Verses 40-45 prophesy the last part of the Greek empire being conquered by Rome. It even prophesies the boundaries of the Roman empire in the region at this time of the end, (verse 40.)
    There is no difference between the first 35 verses and the last 15 verses as far as accuracy and the relevancy it has to the big picture prophecy of the four successive gentile empires that rule over Gods people. Verses 36 -39 in that same spirit of divine accuracy and relevancy, especially to Daniels people take some to predict a "King" of the time period when the last of the Greek empire is annexed by Rome. He is neither king of the north or south but was made King by Rome in Judea. Amazingly he is king of Judea when the Messiah comes and his dynasty continued until the the prophesied end.
      Serious secular history does not deny that this part of Daniel is prophecy. For Herod the Great and his dynasty to not be examined as the obvious candidate for this portion of the prophecy goes without saying. Herod fulfilled verses 36-39 so precisely that to look into him would be wholly against the interests of those who seek to deny the supernatural nature of Bible prophecy. Unfortunately it seems that instead of solid Christian scholarship influencing secular history the opposite appears to be true. It looks as if Christian scholarship has fallen victim to that influence of those who want to hide the obvious fulfillment of prophecy because it is against their interests.

 36. And the king (Herod) shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvelous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.
37. Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.
38. But in his estate shall he honor the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honor with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.
39. Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain. Historical account of Herod and how he fulfilled these prophecies.
40. And at the time of the end ( The end in as foretold Daniel 8:17-19 and 9:26-27) shall the king of the south (Cleopatra, her siblings allied with Mark Antony)  push at him (Rome;) )Cleopatra was also pushing at Herod): and the king of the north (Octavian soon to be named Augustus) shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.
41. He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.
42. He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape.
43. But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps. Thus we have the final part of the 3rd empire (Greece) of end time prophecy completely conquered by the fourth empire (Roman) of that same prophecy. Historical account.
44. But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many. These were wars that happened between Rome and neighboring kingdoms immediately after the last part of the Greek empire was conquered. However because verse 45 seems to refer to Herod (The Great) once more some like to tie verse 44 into him as in this historical account. It fits both scenario's within the time frame given by scripture perfectly so it doesn't seem to matter which is chosen.
45. And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.

 Daniel Chapter 12

      Daniel Chapter 12 is a progressive enlargement of the original prophecy given to Daniel in chapter 2 as is all Bible prophecy future of that prophecy. In other words God is revealing greater details about that prophecy as time goes on. Specifically then, the angel starts the book of Daniels last prophecy in chapters 10-12 in chapter 10:14 with these words: I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come (NIV) He (the angel) then reveals added details concerning the the 3rd and 4th empires, Greece and Rome and their interaction with Daniels people all the way to the end of chapter 12.  As far as part of the subject of this article is concerned and probably Daniel's greatest concern are those details that concern a final period of wrath foretold in Daniel 8:8-27 that end with the sanctuary and the city of Jerusalem being destroyed as prophesied in Chapter 9:26-27.
     As we have now seen by the details revealed in Daniel 11. The way in which this "final period of wrath" begins were the wars of conquest between two sections of the Greek empire. The land of Judea is stuck right in the middle of them. The end of chapter 11 leaves us with Herodian dynasty set up and Augustus Caesar as first emperor of the fourth empire, Rome. Having eliminated the last of the Greek empire,  it begins it's official reign as the fourth empire of Daniels prophesies. This then is also where the words of Daniel 9:24-27 find their final fulfillment with the messiah coming to Israel, completing his work, then the city and the sanctuary being destroyed by war. It is also the point in time where the Gospels of the New Testament begin their narration: Luke 1:5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea........2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be taxed.
     Chapter 12 then begins it's prophecy where chapter 11 left off.  Foretelling the days of Jesus's and his apostles ministry and the war that destroys Jerusalem and brings an end to that age.

Daniel 12:1. And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which stands for the children of your people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time your people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

      Jesus quotes this verse in his prophecy about the destruction of Jerusalem in: Matthew 24:21. For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. Mark 13:19. For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created to this time, neither shall be. Then Luke's corresponding verse: 21:22. For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
     Jesus also in the same prophecy promises deliverance from this war that destroys the city and sanctuary as does this prophecy:.....and at that time your people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book: Matthew 24:13. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Mark 13:.....but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Then Luke's corresponding verse: 21:18. But there shall not a hair of your head perish. 19. In your patience possess your souls. It is a historical fact that although Christian were persecuted and murdered for their service in the Gospel. None of them perished in the destruction of Jerusalem. They heeded the words of Christ and when the army that surrounded Jerusalem left it's siege, they fled to places prepared for them.
     Contrary to popular teaching Jesus also placed a date on his prophecy speaking to them clearly in the second person: Matthew 24: 34. In truth I say to you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.35. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. Mark 13:30. In truth I say to you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. 31. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. Luke 21:In truth I say to you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. 33. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.  There is special emphasis place on these verses that do not appear anywhere else in the Messiahs prophecy. "in truth I say to you" and "heaven and earth will pass away before my words fail to come true (paraphrased.)" This emphasis is there because of mankind's natural disposition to not listen carefully.  Not only did that generation need warned and instructed about what to do to escape being killed in the war. They also needed to know with certainty that it would be coming while they were still alive. Also though, future generations needed instructed concerning the timing of this prophecy. Lest they as their naturally learned habits would lead them, might view this as some future event because of the highly illustrative wording Jesus uses in a few verses of his prophecy.
     What is commonly quoted about the timing of Christ's prophecy is the next verse in Matthews and Marks account. But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. This verse is quoted daily via pop-eschatology to emphasize that no one knows when the various end of the world scenario's will come to pass. Yet is has no bearing whatsoever to any future generation other than the one it was quoted to. If not ripped out of its context it simply states that no one but the Father in heaven knows the exact year, day or hour that the city and sanctuary will be destroyed. Jesus can only tell them it will happen before the generation he is ministering to passes away.
     There are three articles in Wordservice.org  that were written to accompany this article. One of them is probably the most in-depth look at Jesus prophecy about the destruction of Jerusalem on the internet. The article called "Matthew 24" is a must read article if one wants to understand the various end times of  Bible prophecy. The other "The Coming or Day of the Lord" catalogs all the times in the Bible that the Lord comes to bring judgment, both past present and future. This is another must read article and is becoming very popular on the internet. Did you know that the word "second" appears nowhere in the Bible before the word "coming?" Strange isn't it? Something considered a most basic tenant of the Christian faith by hundreds of millions not even found in the Bible.

 2. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

     Again, pop-eschatologist treat the subject of resurrection a one time future event. Yet the New Testament is full of resurrection. In fact it is just exactly as this verse states, and in the first century as this verse stated. Matthew 27: 51. And, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks broke; 52. And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, 53.And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared to many. Notice that verse 52 of Matthew 27 is almost verbatim of the first part of Daniel 12:2. So much so that one might believe it is a direct quote.
     Then there is this very strange scripture where while his body was still in it's tomb Christ went and preached to those who never heard the gospel, those who perished in the flood. 1st Peter 3: 19. By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; What happened to those who believed his word? Was some type of resurrection the result of this also? Is this an attempt on the authors part to say  "the" resurrection has occurred already? No it is not. It is simply to point out the accuracy of this prophecy. That the New Testament records events that fulfill this prophecy within the dates prescribed in the first century. It is however only two of dozens of scriptures about resurrection in the New Testament.  The other article that was written to accompany this article covers all of the scriptures on  "resurrection." in the New Testament. The conclusions will surprise almost any one who reads it.

3. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the sky; and they that turn to righteousness as many as the stars for ever and ever.

      This is a direct prophecy of the ministry of Christ and his disciples to Israel and the nations that came to pass ( or started to come to pass) in the first century. It is not an accident that it uses the illustrative language of the promise to Abraham in Genesis 15:5 And he brought him outside and said, "Look toward heaven, and count the stars, if you are able." Then he said to him, "So shall your descendants be." .......22:17 That in blessing I will bless you, and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven. Galatians 3:8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the nations through faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, In you shall all nations be blessed......16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his descendant. The Scripture does not say "and to descendants," meaning many people, but "and to your descendant," meaning one person, Christ.....28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus, (NIV.) 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's descendants, and heirs according to the promise.

4. But you, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, until the time of the end: many shall roam about, and knowledge shall be increased.

      The words "roam about"  imply travel. This is what the disciples of Christ did in the New Testament. Where ever they went, knowledge increased.  Acts 8:4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. 2 Corinthians 2:14 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumph, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere, (RSV.)...... 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

5. Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river.6. And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? 7. And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by him that lives for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when they finish breaking the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.

      Here once more we have the context and the date of this prophecy. As stated in 4, the time of the end, and in verse 6 the end of these wonders. The last part of verse 7 states what the end is: The breaking of the power of the holy (Daniels) people. Exactly as in Daniel 9:24-27 . The Messiah comes, he confirms the covenant of Abraham, he is sacrificed, doing away with the symbolic sacrifices of the Mosaic law that pointed to him. His disciples  continued his confirmation of Abrahams covenant which also was to the nations. Then, in that very generation the city and sanctuary were destroyed or as verse 7 puts it: The power of the holy people is broken.

8. And I heard, but I understood not: then I said , O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? 9. And he said, Go your way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.10. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.

      These two verses seem to describe perfectly the ministry of the disciples and apostles of Christ. Purified through the fire of trials and persecutions and made "white." Turning many to the Lord.  Then pointing out that those who reject their gospel  because of wickedness. i.e. rejecting it because because it is against the interests they have in the quest for power and wealth which ultimately caused this prophesied destruction.

11. And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination that makes desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. 12. Blessed is he that waits, and cometh to the thousand three-hundred and thirty-five days.

      Here we run into a problem, at least for this author. Not with the prophecy, but with mankind's incomplete knowledge of history. Many major players and events are foretold in chapters 11-12 but not all of them. The dates in-between the events deal in decades and centuries, not days. Yet here we have a prophecy about days which can be close to impossible determine through the lens of ancient history. This is why it so important to not have "itchy ears," needing to know now and looking at mere human education as your source to provide all info when you want it and how you want it. The temptation to have an answer now has lead many a disciple astray. Some may know exactly what this is referring to. However for the purposes of this article, this is easily fitted into it's context of the big picture laid out beforehand and the chronological nature of Daniel 11-12. We just went through the whole Greek Empire period as it relates to  Israel.  It then directed us to Herod, Caesar Augustus and the conquering of the last part of that Greek empire. Leading us into the first century it then takes us right through the New Testament to the end that has been prophesied and then gives us an event that starts a time period measured in days.
     It just so happens that the thing that starts the time period is recorded. The beginning of the war as testified to by an eyewitness Josephus: When the nation of Israel stopped the twice daily sacrifice for Caesar. See Historical Account.  The problem is the exact date of this event is vague. One could search and search and the only consensus is within a six month period of the summer of 66AD. When you are dealing with a prophecy that uses days as a measurement, opinions when something happened that range within a six month period makes it quite difficult to understand that prophecy. Because of this it is even more imperative to look at what the verse in question. Especially with this one, what it does not say. Specifically, it does not say the end or the desolation occurs  at the end of this 1290 day period. It says the abomination that desolates is set up at that time.  That is; the abomination that brings the desolation is set up. The only thing the author might guess, at this point is that it was around that period of days that Vespasian took the emperorship of Rome and commissioned Titus his son to conquer the rest of Judea.
     Nero through whom the war started sent the twelfth legion under Cestius that easily conquered Judea. However during the siege of Jerusalem without reason that anyone to this day understands. He left the siege and withdrew from Judea loosing all of his equipment. The false prophets words of miraculous deliverance came to pass. The believers fled Jerusalem according to the words of Jesus at this time. Nero then sends Vespasian to finish the war. In the meantime the Israelites prepare and fortify for the war. During the time that Vespasian is conquering Judea Nero dies and civil war breaks out in the empire between rival would be emperors. After a year of this the legions under Vespasian declare him emperor and he goes to Rome to take the Empire. This is the point at which my guess is the 1290 days are fulfilled. There is also a little breathing period during this time where once more a chance for escape without having to surrender to a Roman Army . That may be the 1335 day period, or one month and a half past the 1290 day period. In other words the abomination that sets up the desolation is the new emperorship of Vespasian and his son Titus's campaign in Judea.

13. But go your way till the end: for you shall rest, and stand in your lot at the end of the days.

An Assault on New Testament Prophecy

      In the last two decades of the 19th century (1800's) the modern "progressive" movement began it's assault on the scriptures in it's bid to take over American education at the university level.  "Progressive" is a blanket term to describe the Socialist, Marxist, Communist, Racist Eugenics Darwinist Fascist movements of the 20th century. These movements were slightly less destructive in the USA  and worked primarily through the Democrat Party. To this day  this assault against the Word of God continues unabated through this political party. In a university system that used the Bible as a basis for all human education, the movement had to at least provide a veneer of reason and logic in it's initial attack. This was still "golden age" of archeology where all the cities and nations in the Bible were being excavated. So the attack on the historic accuracy of the Bible would have to wait for a generation who would not be taught what had been found when the great men and woman of that age had access and means to excavate wherever the historic data in their Bibles led them to look. The usual suspects in all this played the dominate roll, Darwinism with it's overt "scientific" racism and Marxism with it's "science" of dialectic materialism along with the biggest con job ever perpetrated on mankind, evolution. (The "science"  of these "disciplines" should make any self respecting shaman blush with embarrassment.) The direct assault on the veracity of the scriptures through pseudo science was accompanied by a very hostile criticism of the scriptures. This hostility had as its basis the agenda's of the progressive movement plus the desire to sin without the cultural restraints Bible reading people may impose. While so much of that criticism is to ridiculous to even address it is worthy to note (again) the use of bible prophecy to claim the scripture is not of divine origin.
     As noted already, the way Daniel 11:35-45 and chapter 12 were fulfilled isn't contained in the vast majority of modern scholarly and university level commentary in Christian circles. It is probably non existent in Christian ministry training schools. The opportunity that has been missed as a further witness in the earth is epic since serious secular historians acknowledge that those portions of Daniel were written as prophecy. Satan has had an open door into the hearts of millions due to this misstep. Yet there was a far more direct and open onslaught that occurred at this time. Against the very prophecies of Jesus and his apostles. Lets look at some of the Lords prophecies in question.

Matthew16: 28. Truly I say to you, There are some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
Matthew 25: 64. Jesus says to him, You have said: nevertheless I say to you, After this you will see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Mark: 9: 1. And he said to them, Truly I say to you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.
Mark 13:26. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. 27. And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven. 28. Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near: 29. So you, in like manner, when you shall see these things come to pass, know that it is close, even at the doors. 30. Truly I say to you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things are done.
Mark 14:61 ...Again the high priest asked him, Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? 62. And Jesus said, I am: and you will see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven
Luke 9: 27. But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.

      Every one of these prophecies uttered by Jesus attach a date to them. That is: During the life time some of those to whom he is speaking. (Some will not live long enough to see it) Furthermore many of our Lords apostles predicted things that were to be fulfilled within the same time frame (Although it is obvious that they did not have the clarity of understanding that Christ had about those things they were foretelling..) Here in lies one of the main methods of assault on the veracity of the scriptures. That many of Jesus' and his apostles prophecies supposedly did not come to pass when they said they would. In this case during the lifetimes of those they were speaking to. Dear reader, what do you have to answer to this? One can imagine the wicked glean in the eye of an immensely popular professor at Yale, Harvard or Princeton in the 19th century, pointing this out to his students. Imagine how it freed so many of them from the restraints on their desires since it has become obvious to them that God could not have authored the Bible? How easy was it to steer them towards the "science" that would solve all the worlds ills. Again dear reader, what is your answer to this? Are the answers that the vast majority of pastors, teachers, bible colleges and seminaries sufficient? Either Christ and his apostles words came to pass when they said or they did not. Doesn't it seem a little superficial to just state that you believe they are coming to pass? After all no man knows the day and the hour, right?

      It just so happens that corresponding to the progressive movement in America and this assault on the truthfulness of the scriptures in the nations universities. Todays pop culture end time teachings began their rise to dominance in the western world.  As a matter of fact, those end time teachings became the answer to our wicked professors assertion. (To the tune of a billion dollar industry one might add.) This links to a very well done paper about that outside of Wordservice.org.  So as this article already stated. The personification of the wicked college professor has never had to  answer for his foolish assertion. American Christians had thrown off their responsibility to give him that answer. Which in effect  surrendered control of the university system that was created by Christians to further the gospel and keep the freedoms and liberties of the republic secure.

      Yet what about Christ's prophecies? Will you brother, sister or friend still refuse to acknowledge that the Lord of the universe put a date on his prophecies? Will you continue in past generations lack of depth and character by dismissing what is plainly written in his word so that your own beliefs can be validated? Does it confuse you? Yet does your confusion give you the right to invalidate Jehovah the Word's understanding of what he meant when he made those pronouncements? Is it possible that you do not understand the illustrative language he is using, and you have know idea if what he was speaking of came to pass when he said it would? Is it just to incredible to believe that tens of thousands of Bible teachers and pastors could be wrong. It just couldn't be possible that what they are teaching could be so shallow, could it? After all you look to them for guidance, and who are you to say they are wrong, true? Well brother or sister, welcome to reality, welcome to history, welcome to the kingdom of God. There has to come a point when the heart puts the Word of God above all competing viewpoints. Evan when they are accompanied with tremendous pressures and temptations to conform to them.  It is up to the reader to discover what is meant with illustrative wording like "coming in the clouds of heaven."  It was never up to the reader to reject a plainly stated time frame that is laid out for those prophecies to be fulfilled. 

      What Jesus was referring to in his prophecies was the same thing the book of Daniel chapter 9:26 And after sixty-two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come and shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end of it shall be with a flood, and to the end of the war desolations are determined.  27. And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. Also Daniel 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which stands for the children of your people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time your people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. Jesus repeatedly said the date that these particular prophecies that Daniel made about the destruction of Jerusalem would be fulfilled within the lifetimes of most of those he was speaking to. And why wouldn't he? This is exactly what Daniel prophesied. That when the messiah comes the city and sanctuary would be destroyed. On another occasion when some were pointing out the magnificence of the temple buildings. Jesus pointedly answered them in Matthew 24:1, Mark 13:2 and Luke 21:6 that every single stone of those buildings will be torn down before their generation passes away. (Which is in Matthew 24:34, Mark 13:30, Luke 21:32) The specific questions they asked him were when this would happen and what kinds of things will lead up to it. In Matthews record they referred to it as the end of the age, 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the age?

      Was our ungodly professor's accusation against the Word of God correct? Obviously he has no ground to stand on. The events surrounding the end of that age and the destruction of Jerusalem are among the most widely known and read throughout all of history. You see this is not about the fact that those who have this agenda to rule over all of us lied about the Bible. It not that mere crafty words strategies were enough to take over a university system created by Christians. What this story really points out is the weakness of the spiritualty of Gods people. The blindness of the eyes and hearts that could not stand against such pathetic lies. Not that mere words even if they were true could stand against this onslaught of darkness.  No, what is being pointed out is that this ignorance about prophecy is but an effect of the powerlessness of a people who claim Christ. Or it could be said that the truth itself is what leads to the power to overcome evil. Either way, this will be greatly expanded on at the end of this article. For now though rather than article going through New Testament prophecy before the book of revelation. The readers will be referred to three articles written to accompany this one about the end of the first covenant age, the coming of the Lord and resurrection.
     The author does understand that it is allot to ask readers to carefully study the three articles as part of this particular commentary. They are not easy articles to read. Nor do most think this particular subject warrants the investment of time and thought. That would depend on ones priorities in life. Apparently it looks as if God intends his children to make significant investments if there is to be significant results expected. The assurance needed in an individuals own heart can only come through understanding the Word of God in a manner that mirrors it's original authors intent. Not to speak of the power to overcome evil. These articles were written to aid in that journey.

Matthew 24;       The coming or Day of the Lord ;      Resurrection.

 The Beginning and the End of Ages

     If we were to put end time prophecies on a time line we would now be at the point of the final chapter of the first covenant age. Naturally since Daniels people have center stage in this era a large amount of end time prophecy was dedicated to them. On that same timeline, though we are at the end of that era, we would find ourselves right in the middle of the "Times of the Gentiles". This terminology comes from Luke 21;24. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. This time or era of the gentiles describes the reign of the four empires  over the saints as written in the book of Daniel. The first two visions of that book contain no mention of Daniels people, only the "saints." The Word of God does not differentiate between races of people in it's definition of those who belong to him. In other words "saint" in the book of Daniel is a reference to Gods people both Old and New Testament. It is not until Daniels third vision that his nation is singled out as segment of the broader vision. Unfortunately as with all races of people, only a portion of Daniels people actually serve God through faith and therefore belong to him. So in regards to these expansive visions we are no longer specifically looking at the physical descendants of Israel but all who call upon the name of the Lord. When we look back through history what we find is that these four empires ruled over a geographical area that contained (as a wild guess) 95% of Gods saints during that 2000 year period.  Not only do these prophecies name them; Babylon, Medo-Perisa, Greece and Rome. They point out that generally these empires are the enemies of Gods government and his saints and that as such they will be conquered by him. This leads us to the book of Johns Revelation that will, just as Daniels consecutive visions. Enlarge those same prophecies with greater details.

The Apostle Johns Revelation

      Most of the worlds population has a misconstrued perception about this book that starts with the very first sentence. Before there is any examination of the words of the book it is already tagged with an interpretation as "The Apocalypse" of John. Meaning (to them) John's vision or prophecy about the end of the world. The word apokalupsis from whence we get the word apocalypse has nothing to do with the end of the world or cataclysmic events. Properly translated in todays vernacular it simply means revelation. It is a common New Testament word used to convey the idea of something being revealed. It is usually associated with the divine agency doing the revealing. For example: When Jesus asked his disciples who they thought he was. Peter answered you are the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Jesus then commended Peter by saying: Matthew 16:17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed (apokalupsis) to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. NIV.  While most students of the Bible get this point without any further explanation. It is most unfortunate that the rest of the world has a preconceived notion that the title of the book is: "The Final Destruction of the World," or "The End of Civilization,"  "Armageddon" or something similar along those lines. Outside of these commonly held beliefs that substitute themselves for the title of this book. It simply means "John's Revelation." What was it that was revealed to John then becomes the question. 

      Johns revelation came to him in the form of highly illustrative pictures and words. Just as the illustrative visions in Daniels book, there my be no connection between the pictures and words used verses the reality they represent. An interpretation given by the Bible itself is the only sound method of understanding what they actually mean. This is not something to be taken lightly because this book is purposely cryptic in nature. This story in Matthew 13 serves as an ample warning to  those who are not extremely cautious and humble in their approach to understanding it.  10. Then the disciples came and said to him, "Why do you speak to them in parables?" 11. And he answered them, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12. For to him who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 13. This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14. With them indeed is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah which says: 'You shall indeed hear but never understand, and you shall indeed see but never perceive. 15. For this people's heart has grown dull, and their ears are heavy of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should perceive with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn for me to heal them.'  (Revised Standard.)  What Jesus means by this is that there are conditions that must be met before God will reveal or bless a person or a people with greater grace. God gives his people prophecy so that they might have reasonable expectations of what lies ahead. That they may know what may or may not be possible. This is basically what the  blessing that is contained in the very 3rd verse of this book is referring to. Revelation 1:3 Blessed (happy and to be envied) is he that reads, and they that hear (understand) the words of this prophecy, and keep (guard and conduct themselves according to) those things which are written in it: for the time is at hand. Can you however imagine what the results would be if you take to heart a false understanding of this prophecy and conduct yourself according to that understanding? You could have no reasonable expectations of what is possible or not possible in the future. Where would your faith lie if you were completely assured in your heart and spirit concerning what the Bible prophesies; yet you were totally wrong? What if you or a people were far from meeting the conditions that God reasonably expects be met before he could wisely dispense with the light that would guide them to understand this book? What if the part of the judgment of God consisted in a blindness of heart that did not allow a people to understand the prophecies of this book therefore missing the blessing in it? What if the power that a generation needed to overcome and prevent great evil in the world was contained in these prophesies. Yet because of their sin they could not see the truth that would empower them and that great evil resulted because of this? Please do not think that the words of Jesus could not apply to you or your generation  when he said: but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. Again much more about these realities will be spoken about in the last part of this article.

Is Revelation a Chronological Book

     The simple answer to that question no. Revelation as a book is not a vision that starts at one point in time then in order of the events go step by step to another point out further in the future. An example to describe it would be if you took all of the Book of Daniels visions; you removed every part of the book that was not visions. Taking out every part of it that describes the events surrounding Daniels life. Also you would eliminate the dates that Daniel received the visions. In place of all of that you would simply write, "After this I saw." So even though it was years in between Daniels visions it would seem to the reader that Daniel received the prophecy as one big vision. Daniel's 3rd, 4th and 5th visions are but small segments of time contained within the larger time period of his first two visions. If it were written in the way described above there would be temptation to look at visions that describe the same events as if they were visions that were not the same events. Instead many would see them as prophecies that would happen one after another in order of their placement in the book. Well this is the exact dilemma faced with Johns visions. Is the author asserting that the Book of Revelation is in fact a collection of separate visions John received at separate times but not cataloged that way in his book? It is plausible; but outside of God, John and his friends no one would have any way of knowing that. It takes nothing away from the book to look at that as a possibility because however John received the vision/visions originally. Different aspects of the same time periods are written just as if they were separate and differing visions of the same things.  Furthermore many of the visions that are somewhat chronological in nature overlap each other.

Revelation Chapter One

    The book will be divided up into appropriate sections starting with the first chapter. As a quick note lets notice what these three verses point out.    .....3. Blessed is he that reads, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it: for the time is at hand...... 7. Look, he comes with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all peoples of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen......19. Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;  Verse 3: The time is at hand, meaning things that are going to happen very soon after John receives this word. Verse 7: The coming of the Lord, meaning days of judgment that are to happen in the world. Verse 19: Finally, things that are, which means things that have already come to pass. Also things that will be. Meaning things that will come to pass, not necessarily soon though. The reason for interpreting those verses that way is that is because that is what will be found in the book as the commentary continues.

Revelation Chapters Two and Three

      Revelation chapters two and three  present the same dilemma to many pop-culture end time prophecy teachings that the prophecies thus far have presented. Namely, once more there is a date inferred. This date  unlike many we have read so far is unstated though. How can that be? Very simply. These prophecies were given to seven churches that existed at that time in the first century. These churches have long since disappeared. Yet all but one of these churches were told that they would see the coming of the Lord. Now if the coming of the Lord is a one time future event pop-culture calls the "second coming." We have ourselves another false prophecy problem. These churches were told by the apostle John that Jesus visited him and gave him prophecies about what would happen to them when the Lord comes. Yet if these popular end time teachings are correct, Jesus hasn't come yet. Therefore everything the Apostle John said to them is false because it was all predicated on the arrival of Christ. The author has even heard some of the professed prophecy "literalists" who insist that the only proper way of interpretation is to take the illustrative language of visions "literally," say: "That these churches are symbolic of church ages." So much for consistency. Besides, that doesn't work either because that would have this "second advent" of the Lord being prophesied in six of the seven "church ages." Same dilemma, same superficiality. 
      The Lord certainly came to these churches while they existed and did as he promised.  The scripture teaches that the coming of the Lord is not a one or two time event. It is something that has happened throughout all of history and will continue to happen. The article on The Coming (or Day) of the Lord goes over all of these days of judgment the Bible records in detail. This is an important basic bible teaching that if not understood will render the scriptures un-decipherable. So in reality these two chapters are not about "end time prophecy." At least as far as ages or era's are concerned. 

Revelation Chapters Four-Five

      Revelation chapters four-five is basically the same scene as Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14. Using the same progressive methodology already noted. God is revealing the original prophecy in Daniel in greater detail. In both of these visions we see God on his throne and the Messiah being brought near before him. In Daniel 7 he is called the Son of Man, the often repeated title Jesus called himself during the time of his earthly ministry. In Revelation 4-5 he is revealed as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, and the Lamb of God. In both visions the books are opened. In Daniel 7 the court was seated to render judgment. The judgment rendered results in the messiah receiving his empire: 14. And there was given him an empire, and glory, and dominion, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his empire is an everlasting empire, which shall not pass away, and his dominion that which shall not be destroyed. As previously noted this 14th verse of Daniel 7 is then interpreted as resulting in this: 17. These great animals, which are four, are four empires, which shall arise out of the earth. 18. But the saints of the most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever......22. Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom........ 27. And the kingdom and empire, and the greatness of the dominion under the whole heaven, will be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all empires shall serve and obey him. The reason for the reminder about these verses is because this is where the book of Revelation will end also.

Revelation Chapter Six

    Revelation 6:1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, what sounded like the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. 2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. 3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. 4 And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given to him a great sword. 5 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and saw a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see you don't hurt not the oil and the wine. 7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. 8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth. In these first verses of the book that was sealed we are again looking at the four empires as prophesied in the book of Daniel. One of the reasons this can be easily ascertained is that this whole vision from Revelation 6-11 is repeated in Revelation 13-19 with more familiar symbolism than these horsemen.

     Revelation 6:9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, do you not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? 11 And white robes were given to every one of them; and it was said to them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
     These are believers that perished at the hands of the wicked over those centuries. A little more specifically though. They are the ones Christ refers to many times in his prophecies and denunciations of kings and leaders of Israel. Matthew 23: 29. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchers of the righteous, 30. And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. 31. Wherefore you are witnesses against yourselves, that you are the children of them which killed the prophets. 32.Finish then what your ancestors started. 33. You serpents, you generation of vipers, how can you escape the damnation of hell? 34. Therefore, look, I will send to you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them you shall kill and crucify; and some of them you shall beat  in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: 35. That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. 36. Truly I say to you, All these things shall come upon this generation. 37. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you that murder the prophets, and stone them which are sent to you, how often would I have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, and you would not! 38. Behold, your house is left to you desolate.
     Notice who Christ is referencing in this word. Just like Revelation 6:9-11, the saints of the Old Testament that were murdered and the saints of the New Testament that were yet to be persecuted and murdered. This judgment and prophecy that the Messiah is rendering against Jerusalem directly proceeds his prophecy in Matthew 24 about the end of the first covenant age. In practicality it is part of that prophecy. Similar words of judgment proceed all three accounts of  the Lords prophecy in Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21.  John's vision precisely mimics Jesus's prophecy. That the cries of the saints of the Old Testament who were persecuted and murdered will be answered after the saints, the followers of the messiah in the New Testament are subjected to the same treatment. Then in these next verses that judgment falls upon Jerusalem.

      Revelation 6:12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, look, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; 13 And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, even as a fig tree casts her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. 14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. 15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; 16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: 17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?  
    These verses even use some of the same illustrative language that Jesus uses when referencing the same events of the first century. Some of them are hyperlinked to those locations.  A word about the  illustrative pictures and language of prophecy before going on to the next chapter. As an example: the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; All life on planet earth ends immediately if this were some literal event rather than the illustrative pictures and language that describe (to us what are historical) events.  There are still chapters ahead with life on the planet. It is a shame that something like this would even have to be pointed out to illustrate the absurdity that passes as serious bible prophecy teaching in the world today. 

Revelation Chapter Seven

     Revelation 7:1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. In this first sentence the Apostle is saying, "After I saw that then I saw this." As opposed to saying this happened after that.  Its important to realize this because what he is now seeing is a different scene from the same time period as the destruction of Jerusalem in Chapter 6:12-17.  2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, 3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. 4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. 5 Of the tribe of Judah were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. 6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. 7 Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. 8 Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand. These one hundred forty-four thousand represent the believers in Judea who were warned and escaped the destruction of the region by the Romans. This deliverance was prophesied in Daniel 12:1......there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time your people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. These are some of the verses where Jesus prophesies this event in Revelation 7:1-8.  It would also seem that the main reason for Christ's prophecy in Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21 about the destruction of Jerusalem was to explain to those who would take heed how they might escape it.  In his discourse he first the teaches those those who were listening what would be going on in the interim period so as to keep them focused on their ministries instead of on their escape. He did this by telling them such and such will be happening but the time has not come. Then he focuses on telling them what will be happening up until the time is at hand. Then he tells them what the specific sign is that heralds the end and how to make their escape.

    Revelation 7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and families, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; 10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb. 11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, 12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be to our God for ever and ever. Amen.  13 And one of the elders answered, saying to me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and where did they come from? 14 And I said to him, Sir, you know. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sits on the throne shall dwell among them. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
     In Revelation 7:9-17 John is seeing the multitudes that came to Christ during the time of the Roman Empire before it permanently split into an eastern and western branch and the city of Rome was depopulated (546 A.D.) It is important that it notes that these came out of great tribulation. It does this as a prophecy and to show the righteous judgment of God's response to this persecution and murder. (Perhaps it would be better stated; the effects, of persecuting and murdering the righteous.) It was illegal to be a Christian in the empire during these first three centuries. The penalty was death. Under most emperors Christians were not actively hunted down. Typically those that were accused were given the choice to offer a sacrifice to the Roman gods and the emperor. Upon doing so all was forgiven. Eventually the numbers and influence of Christians became so great that Emperor Diocletian and a couple of others decided to rid the empire of them. At this point they were actively hunted down in most of the empire. A link will be provided to go over some of that information eventually. Christians suffered this same fate in other empires of the world that they went to. 

 Revelation Chapter 8-9

     Revelation 8:1 And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. 2 And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets. 3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand. 5 And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thundering's, and lightning's, and an earthquake. 6 And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.
     Now the attention of this prophecy turns to the Roman empire. The righteousness and the salvation that the saints are bringing is being answered with persecution from the powers that be. Their prayers are symbolic of this and thus the righteous judgment of God manifested. These seven judgments were to come upon the  Roman Empire, specifically at the city of Rome. The empire itself is spared total destruction and carries on. The city of Rome though ceases to be the seat of the empire. These seven judgments that were empire wide but aimed specifically at the city of Rome are assumed to be seven literal calamities. The author is not familiar enough with this time of history to write specifically about each judgment and what actually occurred. Perhaps in the future a link will be provided for this. The sixth judgment was possibly the invasions of the Huns and eventual empire of Attila. Also, Rome was sacked three times (perhaps the three woe's) during this time period. The third time in 546 A.D. when Totila, King of the Ostrogoths marks the end point of these particular judgments. 
     

      Revelation 8:7 The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.
 8 And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; 9 And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.
 10 And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; 11 And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.
 12 And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise. 13 And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhibitor's of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!

      Revelation 9:1 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. 2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. 3 And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. 4 And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. 5 And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he strikes a man. 6 And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them. 7 And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men. 8 And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions. 9 And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings [was] as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle. 10 And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months. 11 And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue name Apollyon. 12 One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter.
13 And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, 14 Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates. 15 And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.16 And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them. 17 And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone. 18 By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths. 19 For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like  serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt. 20 And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: 21 Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.

     A simple and redundant reminder may be necessary here about the illustrative language or visions (pictures) of bible prophecy. These are literal events foretold via the use of pictures and illustrative language that may or may not have any connection whatsoever to the actual event. Just as the pictures in Daniels visions had little or nothing to do with the actual events that were being prophesied.

 Revelation Chapter 10

      1 Then I saw another powerful angel descending from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head; his face was like the sun and his legs were like pillars of fire. 2 He held in his hand a little scroll that was open, and he put his right foot on the sea and his left on the land. 3 Then he shouted in a loud voice like a lion roaring, and when he shouted, the seven thunders sounded their voices. 4 When the seven thunders spoke, I was preparing to write, but just then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Seal up what the seven thunders spoke and do not write it down.” 5 Then the angel I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven 6 and swore by the one who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and what is in it, and the earth and what is in it, and the sea and what is in it, “There will be no more delay! 7 But in the days when the seventh angel is about to blow his trumpet, the mystery of God is completed, just as he has proclaimed to his servants the prophets.” 8 Then the voice I had heard from heaven began to speak to me again, “Go and take the open scroll in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land.” 9 So I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, “Take the scroll and eat it. It will make your stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth.” 10 So I took the little scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it, and it did taste as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach became bitter. 11 Then they told me: “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings.”

     At this point, after the sixth trumpet and before the seventh; when the judgments against the city of Rome itself are almost complete, there is a time out (of the prophecy.) Some things are going to be revealed to John concerning the very distant future that go well beyond the seventh trumpet that heralds a final judgment on the city of Rome.  Up until this this point, this particular vision has started with a brief overview of things that are past. Mainly the four empires. Then, based on the Apostle John receiving this visitation during the reign of Vespasian. It shows us things which must shortly come to pass,  which would be the destruction of Jerusalem. After that it shows us the great harvest of souls, and their sufferings at the hands of the Roman Empire. We are then brought into the sixth century and the vision pauses to reveal the time period or era of Daniels little horn.

 Daniels "Little Horn"

      There are two dates or time periods that can legitimately be attributed to this vision of the little horn. The first would be considered a "hard date." A date or time with a beginning and end that is indisputable. It is a sure as any other date or time period recorded in the scripture if not more so. Obviously there are people that will argue over anything. This though, for the student that loves the word of God. For the evangelist who wants to win the world. The teacher who glories in the omniscience of God and his word. To them, the hard date will bring rest for the soul, joy to their heart,  and the building up of their faith.

     The soft date is in addition to and not a replacement for the hard date. If there is a complete rejection of this soft date, it makes no difference as to the fulfillment of the prophecy. It is fulfilled with the hard date. The soft date makes a few parts of the vision seem a little more relevant. Yet ultimately there is no absolute need for it. The hard date is in no need of tinkering or further examination. The soft date can and should be subject to much examination and illumination. It could be greatly enhanced or totally rejected. Finally, the hard date deals with facts as they are presented. The soft deals with possibilities that make the prophesies even more amazing.

     The hard date will be addressed using the next two chapters (11-12) although the date is also mentioned in chapter thirteen also. The soft date will be vetted when the vision concerning the judgments against the city of Rome is repeated in Revelation chapter 16.  The reason for this is that the beginning of the time period of the hard date is specifically addressed by a number of scriptures. So too the length of the time period. Furthermore the astonishing end of the time period is in perfect accordance with the way these Bible prophecies work. It is also one of the most well known dates in history. It overlaps this judgment period against the city of Rome.

     The soft time period begins with the final judgment against the city of Rome in the sixth century. It uses various starting points that all end up equaling the same period of time. Whereas the hard dates are interpreted by scripture itself living little room for doubt. The soft date uses historical data that is not interpreted by scripture. It just seems to fit some aspects of the prophecy. Below is the scripture concerning the little horn of Daniel once more.

     Daniel chapter 7:7 After this I looked in the night visions, and saw a fourth animal, dreadful and terrible, and exceedingly strong; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and crushed, and trampled what was left with its feet: and it was different from all the animals that were before it; and it had ten horns. 8. I considered the horns, and look, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns uprooted; and look, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. 9. I looked until the thrones were set up, and the ancient of days sat, whose robe was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the flames of fire, and its wheels were burning fire. 10. A river of fire ran and issued from his presence: thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood in his presence: the court was seated, and the books were opened. 11. I was looking then because of the sound of the great words which the horn spoke: I looked until the animal was killed, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.

 The interpretation: 7:19. Then I would know the truth of the fourth animal, which was different from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured and crushed, and trampled what was left with his feet; 20. And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spoke very great things, whose look was more greater than his fellows. 21. I was looking, and the same horn made war with the saints, and overpowered them; 22. Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. 23. So he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be different from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and crush it. 24. And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. 25. And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. 26. But the court will sit, and they shall take away his empire, to consume and to destroy it until the end. 27. And the kingdom and empire, and the greatness of the dominion under the whole heaven, will be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all empires shall serve and obey him.

      The period of time allotted the little horn as recorded in Daniels prophecy is: a time and times and the dividing of time.  (Or a year, two years and a half a year.) This Hebrew word is technically understood to be years. The same word where seven times (years) passed over king Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel chapter 4. This time period is repeated no less than five times in different  visions of the same things in Revelation 11-13 using these words: Chapter 11- Forty-two months; 1260 days. Chapter 12- 1260 days; a time, and times and half a time (the same way Daniel puts it, verifying it once more.) Chapter 13- Forty-two months. Not to lead anyone on in the interpretation of this, it will be addressed in the next section.

Revelation 11-12

       Revelation 11:1 And there was given me a reed like a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship in it. 2 But the court which is outside the temple leave out, and don't measure it ; for it is given to the Gentiles: and they shall trample on holy city forty two months. (Three and a half years.)

 Using allegorical language the first two verses in chapter eleven shows 4 things:
1: Although the  temple of God referred to in these two verses is a physical building that John is seeing. This is a symbolic picture of the true temple of God written about prolifically in the New Testament. The temple represents the saints that the little horn is making war against.
2. The courtyard outside the temple being given to the Gentiles represents the sphere of influence over the culture and institutions including human government. In this case it is the little horn who is dominate in this arena. This is shown by: 8.....and look, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things......11. I was looking then because of the sound of the great words which the horn spoke:....25. And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand. 

3. The holy city that is being trampled on is a reference to the New Jerusalem. Of which, much shall be written about when the article gets to the end of the Book of Revelation. Being trampled upon represents: 21. I was looking, and the same horn made war with the saints, and overpowered them;

4. Of course then there is the same time period in Daniel 7:25 and Revelation 11:2 when this little horn tramples on, over powers and wears out the saints. They are "given into his hand."  Three and one half years which is the same as forty two months.

 In the interests of dealing with the hard date the rest of this chapter and chapter 12 for the most part will not be interpreted now. The time period will be underlined.

      Revelation 11: 3 And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth. 4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. 5 And if any man will hurt them, fire proceeds out of their mouth, and devours their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. 6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. 7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. 8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. 9 And they of the people and kindred's and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. 10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. 11 And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. 12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. 13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

       14 The second woe is past;  behold, the third woe comes quickly. 15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. 16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, 17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which is, and was, and are to come; because you hast taken to yourself your great power, and have reigned. 18 And the nations were angry, and your wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that you should give reward to your servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear your name, small and great; and should destroy them which destroy the earth. 19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightning's, and voices, and thundering's, and an earthquake, and great hail.

      This was the end of this vision, the seventh trumpet sounded. In the next vision in chapter twelve we can see the duration of this part of the Roman Empire once more.

      1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: 2 And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. 3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. 4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. 5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and his throne. 6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and sixty days. 7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceives the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives to the death.
12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens, and you that dwell in them. Woe to those inhabiting the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has but a short time. 13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast into the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. 14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. 15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. 16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. 17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

        Here is how the scripture itself interprets this time period. Revelation 17: 7 And the angel said to me, Why did you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and ten horns. 8 The beast that you saw was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. 9 And here is the mind which has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sits. 10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he coms, he must continue a short space. 11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goes into perdition. 12 And the ten horns which you saw are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. 13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.

     The seven kings are the first seven emperors of Rome. Five are fallen and the sixth is the current emperor which would be Vespasian. This gives us the date that John received his vision. During the reign of Vespasian. Ending all the speculation of "scholars."  There was civil war for a year after the death of Nero with a number of people laying claim to the throne. Vespasian won. Perhaps half of the lists of Roman emperors will list all who claimed the throne during that year as being emperors. However the scripture does not look at it that way, nor do the other half of the lists of Roman emperors. He who ends up as emperor is the one the scripture sights. Which was Vespasian. The seventh emperor is Titus, Vespasian's son, the one who destroyed Jerusalem in 70A.D. He did this while Vespasian was still emperor.  The eighth emperor is Domitian. He is also Vespasian's son. This is one of the reasons why he is "of the seven." The reason Domitian is referred to as the "Beast" is because he is the first of the ten emperors (horns) of the ten horned beast in Daniel chapter seven.  So starting with Domitian the next ten emperors of Rome are the ten horns. Once their reign ends there will have been a total of three dynasties of Roman Emperors. 

      Commodus is the last emperor (number ten of the ten.)  He died in 192 A.D. Once more for a year there is civil war with five people claiming the throne. In 193 A.D. it is Septimius Severus who ends up as emperor. The civil war that propelled him to the throne went like this. Pertinax who may have had a hand in the assassination of Commodus was proclaimed emperor by the Praetorian Guard. Apparently he paid them to do this. Not being satisfied with their payment the guard murdered Pertinax and installed Didius Julianus who paid them more.  Septimius Severus secured Rome, beheaded Didius Julianus and disbanded the Praetorian Guard. His legions then defeated the legions of the his rival claimant's to the throne, Pescennius Niger and Clodius Albinus. A web page that lists these emperors.

     This is how Daniel's vision predicts and interprets this situation. Verse 7..... it was different from all the animals that were before it; and it had ten horns. 8. I considered the horns, and look, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns uprooted; Notice here that it does not say three horns or emperors were conquered. Instead it uses the term to "uproot." Then we go to the angels interpretation of this.24. And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. The words "diverse from the first" in verse 24 are the actually interpretation of "three of the first horns uprooted" in verse 8. One may also take the words "he shall subdue three kings" this way but it seems to better fit the scenario in the previous sentence. This is why: There were three distinct dynasties of Italian emperors that were "uprooted" by Septimius Severus. His father was African, his mother Italian. From this point on being Italian as a prerequisite of being the Emperor of Rome or the Romans will fade into obscurity. His son Emperor Caracalla even granted almost all the free inhabitants of the empire full Roman citizenship. The old order of the empire as exemplified by the first three dynasties of Italian Roman emperors was completely uprooted at this time. The last part of verse 24, "and he shall subdue" three kings were in fact fulfilled by his conquering of Didius Julianus, Pescennius Niger and Clodius Albinus to become emperor.

     From 193 A.D. to 1453 A.D there never ceased to be an emperor on the throne of the Roman Empire which is exactly 1260 years. This is the symbolic time period named over and over in Bible prophecy. This is the "hard" date or time period.  Emperor (284-305) Diocletian the author of the greatest persecutions of believers thus far divided the empire into two sections, eastern and western with two emperors. He remained emperor of the eastern half while installing Maximian as the emperor of western portion in Rome in 285. Constantine started ruling a portion of the western empire in 306 and gradually ascending to the point of the defeat of the eastern emperor Licinius in 324 in a civil war. He did away with the two emperor model assuming ruler ship of the entire empire. He then built and in 330 A.D. consecrated Constantinople as the capitol of the Roman Empire modeling it after the city of Rome. Before Constantine died in 337 he once more divided the empire into an eastern and western branch setting his sons as emperors over them. Constantinople remained the capitol of the Roman Empire until it was conquered by the Turks 1453 A.D.

Our Ivy League Professor Gets a Spanking

      It is hoped that the reader understands the implications about the accuracy of these prophecies. There is no precedent for this type hyper specific supernatural prediction outside of the scripture. Nor will there ever be. Johns Revelation is not ancient history in the sense of the Old Testament. There is no wiggle room. All of science and academia know it has existed since the first century. The written records of this are not the subject of dispute. How then can something written in the first century accurately predict a time period of seven emperors, then ten emperors plus 1260 years to the very year of the fall of the Roman Empire in 1453 A.D? Even more fantastic, how did the book of Daniel prophesy this 600 years before John? Very simply, because it is the very word of God.

      All criticism of scripture comes crashing to the ground at this point. These facts are like a giant train wreck for the world wide progressive movement that has as it's very foundation the denigration of scripture. You cannot by chance get something like this right. Nor can you dismiss the rest of a book that contains such a "modern" miracle of prediction. Modern in the sense that it predicted an exact date so close to the modern era we live in.  A general population armed with knowledge like this will be quite intolerant of corrupt and ignorant individuals and organizations opposing the divine inspiration of scripture. Do you dear reader think not? Did you know that approximately same year the the Roman empire fell the Bible was first printed on a printing press? ( It was the first book printed on a press.)  The printing press along with the discovery of the new world a few decades later were the agents of change that gave us the world we now enjoy as opposed to the tyranny and slavery of the ancient world. The rest of the world that has not enjoyed these changes will eventually. (So says Bible prophecy.) The powers that be managed to keep their strangle hold on mankind when the number of hand made books and materials produced per year numbered in the thousands. With the advent of the printing press though these numbers almost immediately skyrocketed into the millions. Like a tsunami it took those powers by complete surprise. Some examples of the muscle of the new presses. Erasmus1466–1536, the man who gave us the Textus Receptus had 750,000 of his books printed on presses in his lifetime. Martin Luther had 300,000 of his mini books called tracts printed in a three year period 1518-1520. In the days before the printing press there were just as many reformers, revivals and freedom fighters as there were afterwards. The Holy Spirit was just as active. The reason for the failure of the former and the success of the later was the ability to get information cheaply and efficiently in the hands of the common man. In other words the production of books and materials religious, political and scientific immediately outpace the ability of the powers that be to censor and keep them out of the hands of the general population.  The point being, it is light or truth in the form of information that is the impetus behind real change. Christians as a whole have no idea how accurate the book of revelations prophecies are. Therefore they have accepted teachings about these prophecies that resemble fables. The effects of this are to diminish the power of the Gospel to change the very fabric of society. In fact as this article will seek to prove in the end. It is the proper understanding of these prophecies that will be the impetus to Christians as a whole accepting their God given responsibility to be the salt and light in human government and all other area's of life on this planet. This as opposed to what we have seen in the last century. The relinquishing of governments and institutions created via the influence of the Gospel, to those who are driven by the spirit of anti-Christ.

The Kingdom of God

     Before going on to the rest of the book there may be a significant question that is arising in the minds of many believers who are reading this.  It may sound like this: "How can this be right." "The Kingdom of God didn't come in 1453 A.D. and I never even heard that the Roman Empire continued on that long." The easiest one to answer is that concerning the empire. It was popular for awhile to call the eastern branch of the Roman Empire the Byzantium Empire in its later days. Simply because it mostly had Greek (by nationality) emperors. However it seems the tide has shifted in the other direction in much of academia so that it is one more called the Roman Empire. You will find the current popular viewpoint reflected on many mainstream websites. As this article pointed out already. Starting in 193 A.D. The role of pure Italian emperors diminished to the point that emperors of many nationalities ruled it. Why not, since people of all nationalities within the empire that were not slaves became Roman citizens? Furthermore the empire split into eastern and western branches voluntarily, not by war. Constantinople was made the capitol of the empire before it permanently split. Also it remained the acknowledge capitol of both branches of the empire when it was split. On top of all of this. There was never a time that there was not successive emperors on the throne in Constantinople until the last one was killed in 1453 when the Ottoman Turks conquered it. Finally and most notably we have the scripture. That is we have Gods viewpoint on it. He viewed it as the Roman Empire and dated it's existence, both the beginning to its end before it ever existed. He had those dates recorded in the written Word of God before it existed for our benefit. This brings us to the question of about the kingdom of God.

      Most Christians have accepted the end time teachings that were referred to as pop-culture prophecy in the beginning of this article. Included in those teachings are beliefs of what the promised Kingdom of God would be. So in that sense you are correct, the Kingdom of God as many believe it to be did not come in 1453 A.D. However, I suspect that those who have carefully been reading these articles so far have found information that is enlightening them. Things that may be giving them a different perspective. Perhaps some are even being so challenged as to now believe that they really didn't understand "end time" prophecy like they thought they did. In that same spirit the writer would ask the reader to be patient. If what you have read so far has been amazing to you, so will the rest of the article. This because the Word of God is amazing. You may find that just as you are discovering things that are helping you gain a greater understanding about Bible Prophecy. That you will discern things that will help you gain a greater understanding of that promised Kingdom of God.  That there is a very large body of scripture, as in a hundred chapters showing that the promised Kingdom of God will never be a physical kingdom on this planet. Instead it  teaches it will be one of influence. Something that will affect great change in the earth. Yes and indeed it has already effected great change in the earth for the better, as compared to horrible and insane practices of the ancient world. The kingdom many people suppose is coming to this planet is in fact the one believers enter into when they put off these bodies.  In the next life as Jesus would say. The kingdom prophesied in scripture though did indeed begin to manifest itself in the 15th century and has been growing ever since. Remember in the book of Daniel, his very first prophecy? How the rock struck the 4th empire, then that rock became a great mountain and filled the whole earth? Did it say the mountain grows over night? Or should it be understood that the mountain fills the earth over time, perhaps millennia? Lets go back once more to Daniel Chapter 7 to look at a verse not pointed out yet in the article.  Remember how after the time period of the little horn (1260 years.) The result of the messiah, the rock crushing the fourth empire is 14. And there was given him an empire, and glory, and dominion, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his empire is an everlasting empire, which shall not pass away, and his dominion that which shall not be destroyed. Who's reign actually looks like this as interpreted by the scripture itself: 22...and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom 27. And the kingdom and empire, and the greatness of the dominion under the whole heaven, will be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all empires shall serve and obey him. Look at verse 11-12 though 11. I was looking then because of the sound of the great words which the horn spoke: I looked until the animal was killed, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame. 12. As concerning the rest of the animals, they had their empires taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time. Here we have the fourth empire (Roman) being destroyed but the other "animals" are still  "alive" after 1483 A.D.  How else can this be taken except that evil dictators and kings still exist after the fall of the fourth empire? The point that is trying to be made is that this evil no longer has power and control over the whole of the world. It exists, it dominates a majority of the world yet the saints and the "people of the saints" are now able to chart the course of a handful of nations.  Their idea's, the rule of law that exists in their own hearts are the/a dominate influence in those few nations. An enlightened population is beginning to create cultures and human government to one degree or another that reflect the creators plan for mankind as opposed to the abominable practices of the ancient world.  This "mountain" that represents the Government of God is filling the whole earth over time via the Gospel of Christ rather than some kind of an instant physical kingdom appearing and conquering the earth. Just as this scripture says: Isaiah 9: 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. If his government never ceases to increase. Then it must need something or somewhere to increase. That somewhere is planet Earth. Modern nations based on republican forms of representative government that have been heavily influenced by the Gospel of Christ and the law of God have not been fighting wars against one another. Here we have the growth of peace.  Lets go over the rest of Revelation though before we fully go over this because it will lead us there.

The Rest of the Symbolism of Chapters 11-12

      As promised, this hyperlink will now go over the rest of the symbolism or interpretations of Revelation chapters 11-12.

Revelation Chapter 13

     Revelation 13 is the start of a new vision that repeats the same prophecy one more time with allot of added details. Unlike Revelation chapter 6 that uses four horsemen to symbolize the four empires. Revelation 13 shows the Roman Empire using the same animals Daniel saw in his second vision.

      Revelation 13:1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy (Blasphemy means vilification. In this context it is the act of vilifying\slandering God and the things that are of God.) 2 And the beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. Just as in Revelation chap. 12.  Once more it is emphasized that Satan is the power and animating force behind these four empires as now represented by Rome. It exists to oppose Gods plan for mankind. Yet we see God able to work in the midst of this evil. It should be noted that there is nothing within the framework of this empire that is of God. Everything is perversion, designed to destroy, enslave and prevent the goodness and justice that a people influenced by the Gospel of Christ and the Word of God might produce in the world. 3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.  4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power to the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like the beast? who is able to make war with him? 5 And there was given to him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given to him to continue forty-two months. One more time the Word of God emphasizes the fact of this beast being the Roman Empire by sighting the time period of it's existence from beginning to end. The first seven emperors, then the next ten emperors after them,  plus 1260 years.  From the first emperor Augustus Caesar 27 B.C. to the last Constantine XI in 1453 A.D.  This gives a framework to work with for verses like verse 3, that are not directly interpreted by the scripture itself.  To be safe with ones interpretation is has to be kept in the context of the Roman Empire. Some examples might be:
1. Babylon the first or the head of the four empires, conquered yet still existing or living within the context of the Roman Empire. In fact Rome, specifically the city of Rome is called Babylon later on in Revelation.
2. Babylon's religious system, still existing as the religious system of Rome. Pagan Rome was "put to death via the sword" by Roman emperors who claimed they were Christians. However the imperial church they set up was was the same pagan institution with Christian names and symbols. They used this institution to control the spread of the Gospel murdering directly or indirectly tens of millions over the next millennia and a half.
3. Julius Caesar who was murdered because sought to become Rome's first emperor. His nephew Octavian used the murder to became the first emperor. 
4. In connection with the previously mentioned "soft date." The heart of the empire Rome and Italy lost to the empire. Later re-conquered by the Emperor Justinian who then made the city of Rome the "spiritual" center of the empire according to his newly codified laws. Eventually this mutated into what the rulers of that age considered a revived western branch of the Roman Empire. The emperors that came about called themselves emperors of the Romans.
     While none of these speculations can be accepted with absolute certainty. (At least in the authors mind due to his limited information.) Knowing and therefore keeping it's interpretation within the parameters of the big picture, the picture that is in fact directly interrupted by the scripture already. This is the only safe and sound method prescribed by the Word of God itself.  To pull it out of its context is neither safe, sound nor enlightened. It matters not if the interpretation is unknown. It is still contained within a time period that is known.

        6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his habitation, and them that dwell in heaven. 7 And it was given to him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all   peoples, and tongues, and nations. 8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 9 If any man have an ear, let him hear. 10 He that leads into captivity shall go into captivity: he that kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. This is a great example of what the author calls "practical prophecy." The majority of real prophecy is in fact practical. Here the saints are told that they will not prevail in any effort to take up arms against the empire. They are told to patiently endure the persecution and the warfare directed at them, keeping their faith.  They are being instructed as to what will be possible and what will not be possible during this time period. Historically Gods people had nothing to do militarily with this empires destruction. At least as far as the hard date is concerned.  The Ottoman Turks who were Muslims conquered it. Something else of note, just as many of the other visions of the same thing have stated. A defining aspect of this empire is that it has dominion over the saints as a whole. In fact it uses military conflict to maintain this dominion.  The Roman Empire fulfilled this over it's entire lifetime.  Conversely, at the time the empire ended in 1453 A.D. When nations started to  freely feel the impact of the Gospel. Those nations most influenced by that Gospel have not only become free nations. They have also become the dominate nations in the earth militarily. Some examples of this.  When Napoleon conquered the "Holy" Roman Empire in 1806 A.D. he proclaimed himself to be the emperor of the Romans. He was quickly brought to defeat. When Nazi Germany proceeded to conquer the world proclaiming itself as the "The Third Reich; " translation: "The Third Roman Empire."  It was reduced to rubble by nations led and funded by countries influenced exceedingly by the Word of God. When world wide communism under the the leadership of the Soviet Union attempted to bring the world into a "thousand years of darkness." Nations influenced by the Gospel of Christ defeated it. Of course this battle is not over but the point is the bad guys are no longer always winning. In opposition to the ancient world where outside of Israel the bad guys always won. Believers as a whole (the larger percentage of them) have not been completely  under the dominion of a tyrannical world power since the Roman empire ended. This in and of itself should add great weight to the credibility about the accuracy of Bible Prophecy.

      11 And I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon. 12 And he exercises all the power of the first beast before him, and causing the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 13 And he does great wonders, so that he makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, 14 And deceives them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. 15 And he had power to give life to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. 16 And he causes all, both small and great, rich and  poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred sixty-six.

      Verses 11-18 represent  a very significant enhancement of the prophecies concerning the Roman Empire.  Things that have not been addressed concerning it are now being revealed.  Amazing things that prophesy the time period after the Emperor Constantine died in 337A.D. to the end of the empire in 1453 A.D. and perhaps even beyond. The two horns represent the permanent dividing of the Roman Empire into an eastern and western branch. Diocletian who ruled from 284-305 A.D. did this in 286 A.D. He ruled the eastern branch and he set up Maximian to rule the western branch. Constantine through civil war reunited these two branches under his single rule 307-337. After his death though this split became permanent. Constantinople was considered the capitol of the entire empire and the eastern branch the greater of two equals. An emperor remained on the throne in the western half until 476 A.D. and on the eastern until 1453 A.D.
     A most amazing detail then emerges with the wording, "...like a lamb yet he spoke like a dragon."  For over two centuries the empire attempted to stop the spread of Christianity via direct confrontation. This culminated under Diocletian in his attempt to completely remove it from the empire as if it were a cancer. These methods proved futile. A new tactic birthed in the heart of Satan adopted by the emperors from Constantine on. Remember that it is Satan that is the power behind this empire, he is the controller and animator, not God. The pagan gods of ancient Rome would now be replaced by an imperial "church."  The institution, based upon the ancient Roman religion was now called "Christian."  The names, rites and rituals were tagged with Christian symbols and names.  The cynicism expressed here is not to dismiss the fact that the Gospel had an effect on these new emperors. However this influence went only so far. The imperial church was created to advance the interests of the empire and even more specifically the interests of the emperor. As an example, below is a law from the Emperor Justinian's Code. Justinian codified previous imperial decrees which became the law of the imperial church. In these newly codified decree's (past imperial decree's that are now codified into permanent law)  he made the bishop of Rome the head of the imperial church and installed him militarily when he re-conquered Italy in the sixth century. Below is one of the laws.

1.6.2 Emperor Honorius and Theodosius to Anthemius, Praetoriian Perfect.
If any man shall be discovered to re-baptize anyone imbued with the mysteries of the Catholic faith, he, together with him who has permitted this infamous crime-provided the person persuaded to be re-baptized be of an age capable crime-shall be punished by death.
C, TH. 16.6.6
      This decree by Emperors Honerius and Theodosius, then codified (written into permanent law) by Emperor Justinian exemplifies the nature of the Roman Empire in this period and its usage of an imperial "church."  This was not created because the Empire had become "Christian," but because the empire needed to control the growth of Christianity.  The death penalty for the simple act getting baptized because one heard and accepted the Gospel  characterizes its murderous intent in it's dealings with real Christianity and real believers. Millions upon millions died in the wars, pogroms, and inquisitions made against peoples within the empire where the Gospel was being preached and accepted. Truly this is one of the blasphemies on the heads, crowns and mouths of the horns of this empire. That it is called "Christian," and it's official religion is called "The Church." This blasphemy is still being repeated nearly every day in historical documentaries and in thousands of books. This in a nutshell is the reason to the reference to horns that are like a "lamb." It claims Christianly but its doctrines, its teachings are the words of the dragon. Before going on in this chapter a disclaimer about the difference between Roman Catholics of old verses Roman Catholics of today is in order.

      Verse 12: And he exercises all the power of the first beast before him, and causing the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.14 And deceives them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. 15 And he had power to give life to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. The empire even though it was voluntarily split into an eastern and western branch exercised all the power of the empire when it was ruled from the city of Rome. To be a little more specific it exercised all the power of the beast, that is all four empires as exemplified by Rome. If one wants to look at this as a reference to the western branch the facts were that even though the western empire was completely destroyed all subsequent kings and emperors in Europe that arose with or without the blessing of the eastern emperor called himself "King or Emperor of the Romans." In fact it was the eastern emperors imperial church in Rome that propagated all of this.  What arose in the western empire on the ashes of the Roman civilization in Europe led by the city of Rome was considered by it's leaders and peoples as Roman. It ruled over, subjugated, oppressed, murdered and victoriously made war with Gods saints (as did the eastern empire) up until the fall of the eastern empire.  At that point it lost it's iron grip. Gods saints began to be free in nation after nation from that point on. (This process is continuing to this day with both gains and losses.)

       6 And he causes all, both small and great, rich and  poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.  18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is six hundred sixty-six. Although in these last verses the meanings of of the illustrations may be vague. It is worthy of note that the process of registering all people in the empire started under Rome's first emperor, Octavian Caesar (Augustus).  Luke 2: 1 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus to register all the empire for taxes. 2 This was the first registration, taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 Everyone went to his own town to be registered. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, who was promised in marriage to him, and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (NET Bible) Most Christian historians give the date of 597 B.C as the time when Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem and installed a king of his choice. This would be sort of a technical beginning of the age of the gentiles. 11 years later he destroyed it because the king he set up rebelled. From this beginning of the age of the gentiles to the end of the second covenant age, when the city and the temple were destroyed in 70A.D would be 667 years. One year off 666 years. This is the best this author can offer of this number that receives extra ordinary worldwide attention. Being unsatisfied with anything so far the search will continue to find the most simple and obvious answer to the meaning of this number within the context already laid out.

       So much could be written in this article concerning the empire of this period. The number of wars raised against nations within the empire that were coming under the influence of the Bible is astounding. In fact outside of civil war due to competing claims about the throne it almost seems that it is the only reason for war inside the empire. Looking at it very broadly one might suppose it's entire existence at this point is to oppose the spread of the Gospel. From Satan's viewpoint that would be entirely correct. If you include the "Holy" Roman Empire that ended in 1806 A.D. as at least an offshoot of the empire or even "revised" one the deaths due to this warfare go easily into the hundreds of millions.  A hyperlink link may be added at some point to list these wars. Some are still being discovered by modern day scholarship. There is another facet of it written in Daniel not addressed yet in the article. which is: Daniel 7:25. And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. This is so indicative of the Roman Empire at this point. It literally sought to usurp these very prophecies, claiming that the kingdom of God had arrived. That the Roman Empire and its imperial church are the fulfillment of that kingdom that was to fill the whole earth. This is such an astounding and amazingly blasphemous claim in an attempt to change the time periods laid out in end time prophecy. Making pagan Rome that ended with Constantine's rise "the beast" of prophesy and the very same empire that Revelation and Daniel prophesy as that beast with two horns the "Kingdom of God." As if this was not enough they sought to change the very law of God by Imperial decree, then writing their decree's as "the law" of the "the Church." An entity entirely of their creation to secure the interests of the emperor and the powers that be. So preposterous is the whole scheme that many of the emperors from this point on are named as "saints." by their imperial church. A special designation or veneration of a particularly pure and holy life in the service of God.  What is so amazing today is that this satanic propaganda developed 1500 years ago is still  being poured out over the airwaves through programing like The "History" Channel. There may be little that is more effectively used by the secularist/atheist/communist/marxist/facist/socialist wanna be world rulers than this very propaganda.  It's used daily to discredit and speak evil of the word of God, the Gospel and real Christians in a strategy for dominance. Of course our fictitious Ivy League professor is in up to his eyeballs in all this. (Being rewarded very handsomely with your tax dollars for his labor I might add.)

Revelation Chapter 14-15

       Chapter 14 starts it's narrative in the same place Revelation chapter 6 does after illustrating the four empires as four horsemen. (As noted above the prophesy in chapter 13 is the same as the prophecy about the four horsemen but uses different illustrations and added details.)

      Revelation 14:1 And I looked, and observed, a Lamb stood on the mount Zion, and with him an hundred forty-four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. 2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers playing on their harps: 3 And they sang in that manner a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty-four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. 4 These are they which were not tainted with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb where ever he goes. These were redeemed from among men, being the first fruits to God and to the Lamb. 5 And in their mouth was found no deceit: for they are without fault before the throne of God. Just as Revelation 6:9-7:8 This first part of Revelation 14 repeats something about the time period concerning the end of the first covenant age and the destruction of Jerusalem in 70A.D. Its emphasis is on the believers in Judea of that time period. This hyperlink opens up chapters Revelation 7:1-9 of this article in a new window so it can be compared to chapter 14:1-5.

       6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and tribe, and language, and people, 7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. 8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. 9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 11 And the smoke of their torment ascended up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receives the mark of his name. 12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from now on: Yes, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them. 14 And I looked, and saw a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. 15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in your sickle, and reap: for the time is come for you to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. 16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. 17 And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. 18 And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in your sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. 19 And the angel thrust his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 20 And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even up to the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.
     Revelation 15:1 And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God. 2 And I saw what looked like a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. 3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are your works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are your ways, oh King of saints. 4 Who shall not fear you, O Lord, and glorify your name? for only you are holy: for all nations shall come and worship before you; for your judgments are made manifest.
     This is the great multitude arrayed in fine linen of Revelation 7:9-17. Those who came out of the great tribulation via the Roman Empire when it's capitol was still the city of Rome. Chapter 7:9-17 only shows that they were in heaven and came out of great tribulation, implying great persecution. Chapter 14:6-15:4 shows the time period in greater detail. It makes prophetic judgments against Babylon for its wickedness. Babylon is the head of the statue of Daniel chapter 2 which is now represented by Rome. In other words Rome is being called Babylon. Then this chapter verifies (as a prophecy) that the great multitude of Revelation 7:9-17 came as a result of the preaching of the Gospel during this time period. It also shows the judgment against those who reject it and the sufferings that will come upon that world because of this.

     5 And after that I looked, and saw the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened: 6 And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles. 7 And one of the four beasts gave to the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who lives for ever and ever. 8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled. Following the same chronology as Revelation Chapter 6-9.  Chapter 15:5 begins the seven judgments (trumpets) of Revelation chapter 8 with it's opening of the seventh seal. Here these judgments are symbolized as vials. Verse 8 illustrates the difficulty of individuals finding Christ and\or salvation during times of divine judgment. Or as the Bible would symbolically call these times of judgment, "The Coming or the Day of the Lord."  There are examples in the Bible of why these times are not conducive to revivals or many people coming to Christ. In fact historically things like world war are revival killers.  This hyperlink leads to some of the biblical examples.
       

Revelation Chapter 16

        There will be hyperlinks that open up a new page to the previous verses in Revelation 8-11 for easy comparison. The links will follow each vial of wrath and go to it's corresponding trumpet of judgment. This will basically show that although the symbolic illustrations vary, it is the same judgments repeated in a new vision.
       And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth. 2 And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image. (Chap. 8:7) 3 And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea. (Chap. 8:8-9) 4 And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood. 5 And I heard the angel of the waters say, You art righteous, O Lord, which is, and was, and shall be, because you have judged this way. 6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy. 7 And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are your judgments. (Chap. 8:10-11)  8 And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given to him to scorch men with fire. 9 And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which has power over these plagues: and they did not repent  to give him glory. (Chap. 8:12-13)  10 And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain, 11 And spoke evil the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds. (Chap. 9:1-11) 12 And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and its water was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared. 13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. 15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. 16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon. (Chap. 9:13-21)
17 And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done. 18 And there were voices, and thunders, and lightning's; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. 19 And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. 20 And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. 21 And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague was exceedingly great. (Chap. 11:14-19).

     There are a number of reasons this article is placing these seven judgments in the time period of the destruction of the western half of the Roman Empire ending in 546 A.D. rather than the destruction of the entire empire ending in 1453 A.D. As stated earlier they may indeed cover the entire period ending in 1453 A.D. At this time however this author does not have enough knowledge of this time period to be sure either way. Nor does the scripture interpret these judgments outside of indisputably placing all of these events within the big picture of the age of the gentiles ending with the demise of the Roman Empire. Below is a list of those reasons. Again, hyperlinks will open in a new window to the relevant parts of the article for easy viewing and comparison of the exact reference.

1.Their placement in the visions immediately following the destruction of Jerusalem, the great harvest of souls empire wide and the great persecutions that occurred immediately prior to the western empire experiencing multiple calamities leading to it's demise. (Of course this would also fit the scenario of these seven judgments bringing down the whole empire in 1453 A.D.)

2. There were three woes spoken of in the in the first vision. The three woe's accompanied 5th, 6th and 7th judgment's, one woe per judgment.  The city of Rome was conquered three times during this time period. The last time was in 546A.D. at the end of the 7th judgment.

3. There were seven "thunders" in Revelation 10 that could be assumed to be seven further judgments upon the Roman Empire beyond these first seven. In other words if the first seven judgments bring down the western half, a second seven could possibly be referring to the calamities that bring down the eastern half.

4.The placement of these seven judgments in the vision to the chapters that follow. In chapters 17-18 the city of Rome is illustrated and it demise spoken of as finished following the seventh judgment. However in the 19th chapter the coming of the Lord in judgment is illustrated in the conquering of the whole empire and the end of the age of the gentiles. This then is followed by illustrations of the promised kingdom of God just as the chronology of book of Daniel repeatedly prophesies it. In other words the promised kingdom of God does not find it's beginnings prophesied after the these seven judgments but instead after another added day of judgment in chapter 19 future to these days of judgment.

5. The relation of the seventh judgment and the third woe to the soft date mentioned before. This will be covered in the next section.

6. Finally; a world wide calamity that fits the wording of the seventh judgment occurred at that time. Outside of the world wide flood of Noah there may be nothing that has ever happened to the planet on this scale. Although this catastrophe is new and controversial to modern science it was not new to historians of days past.  It is possible that half the worlds population perished at this time. Whole civilizations disappeared. This started in 535 A.D. and ended in 546 A.D. Half the worlds population perishesing during those 11 years, not to speak of the species of plants and animals that may have gone extinct does not begin to describe this disaster. Please read the articles these hyperlinks go to.

Days of Darkness (AD 535-AD 546)

Catastrophe! in 535 A.D., EARTH HAD ITS LIGHTS PUNCHED OUT

Super Volcano! History's Greatest Secret; Global Cataclysm in 535 AD!

     There are lots of hyperlinks in these articles and it is easy to find events associated with this time period on the internet. Wordservice.org does not endorse these articles or their conclusions. They are linked simply for reference points and three of them in case one of them is removed or changes locations.

 Revelation 16: 17 And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done. 18 And there were voices, and thunders, and lightning's; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. 19 And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. 20 And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. 21 And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague was exceedingly great.

The Soft Date

To be continued.

1st Timothy 5:17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.  
18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”  NKJV

© 2011 Daniel Martinovich